Mapping SIENA

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...

With the financial mess Siena is in right now, you'd think free cultural events are a thing of the past. But quite to the contrary, they keep popping up all over the town.  SATURDAY, 18th of May starts off with another appointment of RSVP, an initiative that brings contemporary art to the medieval heart of the city and some of its most beautiful privately owned buildings. From 4.30 pm to 8 pm you can explore a Siena most of us have never seen. Three generous and art loving house owners open the doors of their homes for the artworks of Vedovamazzei, Ettore Favini and Emanuele Becheri - and for you and me. 

Hoping for some Easter sun in Siena If you're planning to get to know some Italians during your holiday - or in case you just want to observe them - book a table for Easter lunch. "Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi" is a famous Italian proverb indicating that unlike Christmas (which has to be celebrated in the company of one's family), Easter can be spent with whoever you want. In fact B&B's and hotels all over Tuscany and Siena are booked out over Easter. Not just with visiting foreigners, but with Italians who take advantage of the fact, that for once they're not obliged to eat their Sunday lunch at home. If you want to join the party in Siena, consider a reservation at ristorante Millevini, one of the city's best and most beautifully located restaurants. Based inside the Siena's Renaissance fortress, Millevini will serve a four course meal, which includes a meat option - albeit n ot a vegetarian one - for people who are not into the t...