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Accommodation Siena Italy
Farmhouse accommodation is particularly good for families, thanks to the
relaxing and restful settings, the open spaces for children to run
around in and for the opportunity they give to witness farming and
agriculture first hand.
Farmhouse accommodation can provide the most
thrilling and unexpected experiences like watching a chick being born,
the first attempts of a foal or lamb to stand up on its feet, taking
part in grape harvesting or in olive crushing, safely observing how
honey is collected from a beehive, making cheese or salting ham.
The farmhouse accommodation particularly interested in welcoming
families with pets and providing demonstrations and educational
experiences based on agricultural activities must satisfy certain
regulated requirements: the guests must be put up by the owner or by a
member of the family; first-hand accounts attesting to the family and
farm history; an educational programme both for adults and children on
the activities on the farm and for the discovery of the surrounding
area must be provided (with educational and support material); there
must be sufficient space both inside and outside; the farm must be
quipped with everything necessary for practical training and lessons;
pets must be allowed in the guests’ area and in communal spaces; a
fenced area for guests’ dogs and information on the veterinary services
available in the area must be made available to guarantee the
well-being and the health of pets.
Siena:Unchanging charm
Siena
is a synonym for ‘high quality lifestyles’. It was the first
Municipality in Europe to close its center to traffic in 1966. Siena is
a place of international culture. Its university is 750 years old and
it hosts several noteworthy institutions such as the Chigiana Musical
Academy, the University for Foreigners, the Accademia dei Fisiocritici
and the Accademia degli Intronati. In this city, everything has
remained unchanged for centuries. There, one breathes an ‘atmosphere’
that cannot be found elsewhere, because its people truly maintain the
traditions of their ancestors. The tradition of the Palio, for example,
is celebrated and renewed each year with the same renowned power and
enthusiasm.
Siena has Etruscan origins; it was a Roman colony
whose name was ‘Sena Julia’. Its importance grew considerably in the
Middle Ages, first with Lombards and later, under Carolingian
leadership. After a long period of Episcopal dominion (from the 9th to
the 11th century), the city reached the peak of power and became a
municipality in 1147. During this period, Siena adopted expansionistic
policies towards bordering territories. Confrontation with Florence was
inevitable and due to various vicissitudes, their struggle lasted until
1555. In that year, after a long siege, Siena was conquered by the
Florentines. Thus, the city lost its autonomy and became part of the
Grand Duchy of Tuscany, sharing the Duchy’s destiny until the
Unification of Italy in 1861.
Chiusdino, near Siena, near farmhouse Colli di Travale
The municipality of Chiusdino is near Siena and is at an altitude of
564m. The local population is around 2000. The city is home to San
Sebastian Church, Miralduolo Castle, Compagnia di San Galgano Church
and the Lenzi stately homes. Before the town existed, the Benedictine
Abbey of Santa Maria stood on the same site, built in 1004. The town
slowly grew on a nearby hill top ridge and quickly became an important
strategic point in the area. The town was loyal to the bishop of
Volterra until 1215 when it came under Sienese rule.
The town is
near to the Via Francigena pilgrims’ route that passes through the
region. A river of pilgrims from the remotest corners of northern
Europe used to travel along this ancient route on their way to Rome.
Chiusdino naturally took advantage of the increased trade these
pilgrims brought to the area. As well as making money from trade, the
town also had a thriving mining industry which was fought over by many
important ruling powers of the time.
The town reached its modern day size in the XV century.
During
the Sienese War in 1554, the town was occupied by French and imperial
troops and subsequently went on to become a part of the Grand Duchy of
Tuscany three years later. This was an advantageous change for the
inhabitants of Chiusdino as in 1776 the Grand Duke of Lorena granted
the town independent status.
The town was home to Saint Galgano who
was born here in 1148. His head is conserved as a sacred relic in the
Propositura di San Michele. Visitors can still see the mysterious
knightly hermit’s house which is a small Romanesque building. Legend
has it that after living quite a debauched life, Galgano was visited by
the angel Gabriel, at which point he totally changed. He went on to
founder the abbey that carried his name and is said to have performed a
miracle around 1180. He was taunted by his old battle companions and
decided to ram his sword into a rock up to the hilt, making a cross
shape. He died a year later, aged 33.
Italy: Villages and traditions
There are countless tours and itineraries to be followed in Italy,
allowing visitors to explore small towns and villages that seem frozen
in time and where one can still enjoy an authentic experience. Ancient
villages are like gems set in timeless landscapes that still maintain
their original characteristics - where the locals carry out activities
from times past and transmit a sense of warmth with their friendliness
and hospitality. Visitors can take their time discovering artisan
traditions and typical food and wine, in small, intimate environments,
where there are spacious areas and relaxing atmospheres.
But Italy offers much more. The secret landscapes that can be
revealed when touring the different regions are absolutely
one-of-a-kind, with natural landscapes wild in one area and subtle and
relaxing in the next -spellbinding views of the mountains, hills
guarded by historical castles in the midst of vineyards, romantic
lagoons, and the sea with a myriad of colours that never cease to
dazzle your eyes. Amidst this nature, visitors can find monuments,
churches, and common or aristocratic buildings that all display a
unique appeal. Whether by car, motorcycle, or any other means, going
off the beaten tourist trails, people can visit the lesser-known towns
and find the true meaning of "Italian lifestyle", letting nothing but
their curiosity lead them.
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