Skip to main content

PATTI SMITH ON PIAZZA DEL CAMPO

People have the Power - Patti Smith
Piazza del Campo, summer 2012


I know Siena can get a little frustrating at times. If you're after night life that is. Un Tubo, the new music club called into life by Siena's famous restaurant Le Logge has already closed down. The amazing space - just recently finely restored by Montalcino architect Marco Pignattai - didn't last long. A few concerts, art events and jam sessions by Siena's Jazz school and six months after opening the manager of Un Tubo had to give in. Too much trouble with the town council, too little support from everybody else. (Positive update: Un Tubo is open again! Check for events and concerts here).

 Last summer just when Un Tubo was opening up, we had an aperitif there before Patti Smith's fantastic concert in Piazza del Campo. We were all excited that Siena's town center was starting to get its night life back. If only! 

 For the time being all we can do is to reminisce. Patti Smith's concert was stellar because she is Patti Smith. But also because of an ambiance on piazza del Campo that no other concert location can possibly measure up to. And even the moon played along. 

Who's that looking on behind la Torre del Mangia
Let's hope Patti is right. If people have the power, Siena can't but get more lively again at night.  

 Update spring 2013: Luckily Un Tubo has reopened using a slightly different concept, but still proposing interesting gigs and fabulous ambiance. 
Labels:
Location: Piazza del Campo, 53100 Siena Provincia di Siena, Italia

Popular posts from this blog

WHAT IS THE PALIO? SIENA'S HORSE RACE IN A NUTSHELL

The twelve must-knows for people wanting to impress fellow travelers with their thorough knowledge of the Palio di Siena, the world’s oldest continually hold sporting event.  1. WHAT IS THE PALIO? Italy's most famous horse race takes place twice a year o n piazza del Campo, Siena’s shell shaped medieval square. 2. WHEN IS THE PALIO?  Each year on the  2nd of July and the 16th of August . The July race called  Palio della Madonna di Provenzano  starts at 7.30 pm, the  Palio dell'Assunta  in August at 7 pm. However, both races are proceeded by a pageantry procession, so prepare to access piazza del Campo three to four hours before the start of the race. The festival lasts for a total of four days each time, which are made up of trial races and neighborhood dinners. Piazza del Campo and Palazzo Pubblico during Palio  3. WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? Siena has 17 neighborhoods ( contrade  in Ialian), but only ten of them can ...
Read on...»

SECRET SIGHTS IN SIENA: HIDDEN FRESCOES AT PALAZZO PUBBLICO AND CO.

Fresco by Sano di Pietro in one of Palazzo Pubblico's six secret rooms STANZE SEGRETE / SECRET ROOMS at PALAZZO PUBBLICO, piazza del Campo Upcoming dates:  March 22/23, 2014;  May 21/22, 2014 If you've been to Siena countless times, you may think you know it all. But you don't. Because you couldn't. Not even I - the famous writer of an arty-farty blog about Siena - have seen all of the Renaissance frescoes at Siena's civic museum yet.  For a reason. Palazzo Pubblico in piazza del Campo may be one of Siena's main sights (think famous frescoes by Ambrogio Lorenzetti and Simone Martini), but many of its beautifully adorned rooms are normally off-limits to the general public. Unless you happen to be in town for one of the guided visits which take place only a couple of times a year and grant you access to the hidden rooms with frescoes by Sienese masters like Sano di Pietro, Lippo Memmi and Il Sodoma.  Guided visits at: 1 0:30 - 11:30 -   12:30 - ...
Read on...»

VINTAGE MARKET AND 1930s PARTY IN SIENA: Saturday April 5, 2014

Considering how much Italy's image is linked to its 20th century icons (from Sophia Loren, Fellini and Marcello Mastroianni to Vespa and Fiat 500), it always surprises me how difficult it is to find a decent vintage store.  Gucci and Fendi outlets may be thriving in Tuscany, but  y ou're better off in London or Zurich, if you're after  a dress Gina Lollobrigida or Eleonora Duse could have worn.  Whether baby clothes or evening gowns, the majority of Italians prefer new to second hand, and whilst antique furniture markets are a monthly staple of many a Tuscan town, garage sales and vintage stores have never really gotten off the ground in this country.    In Siena Aloe & Wolf is an exemption to the rule. The vintage shop in via Porrione has become a well loved staple in town and has every reason to celebrate its successful 10th year in business (yes, Kate Moss stopped and shopped here too).  SWINGING ON PORRIONE: SATURDAY 5th of APRI...
Read on...»