Mapping SIENA

Opening times have been reduced as much as the number of museum rooms that can be visited this winter at the Santa Maria della Scala museum. Nevertheless, after  financial problems and the looming closure of the museum  this autumn, I'm relieved to see that Siena's biggest museum complex is still managing to stay open to the public.  In fact the SMS is not just open for visits, but the kids' section of the museum is putting together a lovely initiative for families visiting Siena over Christmas. Nothing like your usual guided visit  I 5 Tesori Nascosti (the five hidden treasures)  is a joint venture between five Tuscan museums and  Piccoli Principi , a Florence based theater company. The visitors won't be accompanied by museum guides, but by two actors who take everybody on a search for a hidden treasure. No doubt, young and old will be in for some surprise.   Considering that it's an experience based visit for kids and adults alike, you s...

When crossing Siena's piazza del Campo, I often wonder about the life of the people who walked this very same pavement more than 500 years ago.  Market stalls on Piazza del Campo The twice yearly Palio in July and August is the prime time of the year to jump in and pretend you live in the Middle Ages. But if you're travelling Tuscany in the winter make sure you spend some time shopping the market stalls on piazza del Campo during the December Christmas market. FOOD  Feel like the busy maid of a Renaissance lady, whilst stocking up on all the Tuscan delicacies: Pecorino cheese from the Val d'Orcia, Cinta Senese salami and prosciutto, Tuscan wine and truffles, and Ricciarelli and Panforte (Siena's typical sweets) are the essential ingredients for a perfect Christmas lunch. 

The musicians of the Artemis String Quartet  Back in Siena with a program of Mendelssohn, Beethoven and Schubert, the Artemis Quartet is no newcomer to the city of the Palio. In 2004 the Berlin based string quartet won the international price of the Chigiana Music Academy (albeit in a different formation).  Since its successful debut at the Berlin Philharmony in 1999, the Artemis quartet has come a long way. Invited to the world's most prestigious concert venues, the four musicians also regularly record for Virgin Classics.  The concert will take place in the Academy's own concert hall in the beautiful Renaissance palazzo Chigi Saracini. Another reason to run for a ticket. Friday, 7th of December 2012 -  Palazzo Chigi Saracini, 9pm Artemis Quartet   Vineta Sareika, violin; Gregor Sigl, violin; Friedmann Weigle, viola; Eckart Runge, violoncello Mendelssohn - Quartet in re magg. op. 44 n. 1 Beethoven - Grande Fuga in si bem. mag...