Our Stay in a Luminous Apartment in Centro Storico of Siena, Italy
Thick stone walls create a sense of velvety silence and the stone stairway, leading up to the second-floor apartment, is worn with footsteps of the ages.
There are so many options of where to stay while traveling that it makes the decision all the more challenging, but also intriguing. I love to pour over the images and descriptions of each destination under consideration; our trip to Italy was no different. After months of flirting with various lodging ideas - a villa in the countryside perhaps - we happened upon a charming apartment in the historic city center of Siena. The second-floor apartment is housed in a former monastery and it looked like the right place for us.
As with most of our travels, Scott and I crafted what we wanted our experience to be in Siena. We wanted an authentic, medieval city living situation in the heart of the city.
The Luminous Apartment in Siena
Thick stone walls create a sense of velvety silence and the stone stairway, leading up to the second-floor apartment, is worn with footsteps of the ages.
There are so many options of where to stay while traveling that it makes the decision all the more challenging, but also intriguing. I love to pour over the images and descriptions of each destination under consideration; our trip to Italy was no different. After months of flirting with various lodging ideas - a villa in the countryside perhaps - we happened upon a charming apartment in the historic city center of Siena. The second-floor apartment is housed in a former monastery and it looked like the right place for us.
As with most of our travels, Scott and I crafted what we wanted our experience to be in Siena. We wanted an authentic, medieval city living situation in the heart of the city center. We wanted thick stone walls, rough-hewn beamed ceilings and cheery window boxes gracing the windows. We wanted to scour the markets for fresh, simple fare and create a few authentic Italian dishes in our own kitchen. We wanted to bring in fresh loaves of bread and slather it with jams from the countryside. We wanted to bring in fruit forward bottles of wine and toast to living 'la dolce vita' while we nibbled at the fresh cheeses from the shop on the corner.
I, secretly, wanted to hang our laundry out on the line from the window, just like the locals.
If these walls could talk they would have a rainbow of colorful stories to tell.
Upon our arrival in Siena, having left the Amalfi Coast that morning, we were warmly greeted by the owner, Anna, who showed us around the 3 bedroom/2 bath apartment on the second floor. Anna sat us down to review notes she has prepared for her guests. She shared tips on where to dine, where to shop and what sites to see, along with a map on how to get around. Anna and her husband, Franco, could not have been more helpful during our stay. Their apartment is on the floor below and the pride of ownership is evident in how they tend to their guests. They described a bit of their lifestyle in Siena to us and, believe me, Anna and Franco have learned to live life Italian style and it shows.
A video tour of our apartment with a surprisingly messy ending.
From the website description of the apartment:
About the owner: Anna is a physical therapist who works in Siena and loves her work. Franco is her husband and is a banker in Siena. They love welcoming guests from all over the world, especially people who are curious about Italian culture.
Why the Owner Chose Siena, Siena, Italy: This is the ideal apartment for exploring the gorgeous Gothic jewel that Siena is. The tower of the Church of San Giorgio is part of the apartment's inner structure. The apartment is well cared for, immaculately clean, and reflects the serenity and beauty of Tuscan style.
The Unique Benefits at this Apartment: Location, location, location! The presence of the owners nearby is a definite advantage. In spite of its inner town location, the apartment is very quiet. There is every convenience; dishwasher, washing machine, one bath with shower, and one bath has a bathtub. Separate thermostat for heat.
As a travel consultant, I highly recommend this spacious, luminous apartment in the heart of Siena for couples, families and groups of friends. Truth be told, it is so spacious that Scott and I got turned around trying to find the kitchen a time or two.
If you visit Siena during Palio season- July 2nd and August 16th - you will be in for an unforgettable cultural experience. The Christmas season is also a magical time to visit, according to Anna and Franco. Our thanks to our new Italian friends for making our stay unforgettable!
For more on our visit to Siena and a stylish wedding in Siena.
Have you visited Siena?
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Ciao!
A Summer Getaway to Siena, Italy
Scott and I spent a day in Siena, back in 2003, punctuated by wrong turns, a stint mistakenly driving in the no-vehicle zone and an epic heat wave. When we finally settled in and enjoyed the charms of an al fresco dinner, we vowed to return to this hilltop city someday. Siena was Scott’s top choice as a destination for our summer in Italy, so this was our time to revisit.
Getaway to Siena, Italy
If the Amalfi Coast is painted with shimmering pastels and flecks of gold, Siena, the jewel of Tuscany, is painted with bold, linear strokes of rich pigment aged over time.
Scott and I spent a day in Siena, back in 2003, punctuated by wrong turns, a stint mistakenly driving in the no-vehicle zone and an epic heat wave. When we finally settled in and enjoyed the charms of an al fresco dinner, we vowed to return to this hilltop city someday. Siena was Scott's top choice as a destination for our summer in Italy, so this was our time to revisit.
We arrived in Siena via a luxury bus from Florence. Our smooth arrival quickly turned into a 30-minute panic involving a missing wallet (again!), containing a stack of Euros and our credit card. Scott had been pickpocketed on our first day in Lisbon several years ago and we had the same sinking feeling. By using some stealth memory skills --of a missing curtain and royal blue upholstery -- we finally located the unmarked bus, among the 30 or so parked buses. We spotted an off-duty bus driver, and following some pleading and the pro-offer of a monetary reward, he popped the lock on "our" bus. Scott bounded up the stairs and immediately spotted his wallet which had fallen between the seats. We were now bathed in sweat, with blisters rising on our feet, but incredibly relieved to have the wallet in possession. Looking back there were a few comedic moments, picture Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, with us running around, luggage in tow, trying to find our bus before it departed.
At long last, our reward was to be in Siena!
The architectural details capture the imagination in Siena.
The food and dining options in Siena are unforgettable. Among Italians, there is a passion towards food and wine that is contagious. Not only are the flavors fresh and lively, but the recipes and vines are steeped in the history of the region. Even the dishware represents centuries-old family history as we learned during a private wine tasting.
In Siena we were seeking an authentic, medieval city experience for our three-day stay. I researched long and hard to find a place, in the historic city center, that was charming and peaceful. We ended selecting a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment in a former monastery. We were so pleased with our choice, owned by gracious Anna and Franco. I look forward to sharing our experience staying at their "luminous apartment' in an upcoming post.
Whether a hotel or a private apartment, staying in the city center allows for easy access to a number of historic attractions, as well as the iconic, fan-shaped Piazza del Campo and the heart of the city. It is ideal for wandering, dining, shopping, or lounging on the stones of the square to capture the light show that is 'evening' in this place. It is dazzling!
In Siena, if you pay attention, you can feel the rhythms of history, ancient battles fought, and the rich traditions of the area that continue. If you are fortunate enough to visit on July 2nd or August 16th you will witness the Palio of Siena festival where locals from the 17 neighborhoods compete. Though we visited in mid-July we were treated to a parade complete with horses, drummers, unfurled flags and cheering crowds in preparation for the Palio on August 16th. Palio is a deeply felt, emotional experience for the Sienese and fascinating to experience as a visitor.
Have you been to Siena?
Are you looking for a fabulous apartment in Siena?
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Ciao!
*ALL IMAGES HEATHER LINDSTROM - Curated Travel
A Stylish Wedding at Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy
On the next leg of our summer in Italy, Scott and I found ourselves in Siena, the embodiment of a medieval city and jewel of Tuscany, on a lazy July afternoon.
A Stylish Wedding in Siena, Italy
On the next leg of our summer in Italy, Scott and I found ourselves in Siena, the embodiment of a medieval city and jewel of Tuscany, on a lazy July afternoon.
This was another golden, cloudless day strolling the Piazza del Campo. Locals and visitors enjoyed the slow pace of a warm afternoon. Children frolicked with pigeons on the moss-covered pastel bricks.
Our mission was to select the daily dose of gelato: gianduia (chocolate/hazelnut) for me and a double scoop of limone and stracciatella for Scott.
We happened upon a stylish scene and enjoyed watching the wedding festivities unfold.
Undoubtedly, Italy boasts some of the most elegant, stylish people-watching in the world. There are times, while traveling, where a moment just captures our attention and the camera helps it come to life. This was one of those moments for us, in Tuscany, the jewel of Siena.
Now that's amore!
Ciao!
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