Latest news with #Palio
Condé Nast Traveler
12 hours ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
My Favorite Airbnb: A Panoramic Penthouse in a Medieval Tuscan Town
In a country with as much rich and easily accessible history as Italy, it can be hard to know where to start. Early this summer, my girlfriend and I planned a week-long Italian jaunt, beginning in Rome and winding our way up to Verona, with a stop in the medieval city of Siena to see the Palio—a famed, centuries-old biannual horse race. In search of a window into a different (less crowded) side of Italy's history, I took to perusing Airbnb listings in Pitigliano, a southern Tuscan town a Pisan friend had recommended. I stumbled across the Attico Panoramico Nell'antico Borgo—a panoramic penthouse in the ancient city. Lying halfway between Rome and Florence, this apartment was supposedly in one of the most beautiful spots in the region. Looking at photos had me giddy with excitement, but nothing could have prepared me for the sight that opened up before me as our tiny rented Fiat whipped around the hairpin turns of the Tuscan hills and Pitigliano came into view. While the archaeological record shows evidence of a pre-Roman Etruscan town on the same site, the current incarnation of Pitigliano has existed since around the 11th century, when it quickly rose to prominence as a regional cultural and political capital. Known as the 'Citta del Tufo' in reference to the ubiquitous volcanic tuff stone used in its construction, Pitigliano is perhaps the quintessential Tuscan hilltop town: a labyrinth of clifftop walls, towers, houses, and churches that could easily have been ripped from the background of a Bellini painting. After parking outside the city walls—no cars allowed in the centro storico—we traversed the ancient stone bridge that led to the old city, which is perched on top of a rocky outcropping (a strategic decision dating back to the days when the town regularly found itself at war with its neighbors). Despite (or perhaps because of) its imposing defensive exterior, the inside of the town is peaceful; its tiny size concealing a seemingly endless maze of winding alleys and idyllic squares, strewn with marble fountains, pots of flowers, and stray cats. The Airbnb's exterior Courtesy Airbnb The wooden staircase in the Airbnb Courtesy Airbnb After picking our way through the stone streets to the central Piazza della Repubblica, we spotted the ancient stone building we were to call home. Inside, under the huge beams of the gabled ceiling, the apartment seemed as labyrinthine and storied as the town itself, with each of its cozy rooms containing a treasure trove of tasteful, eclectic decor, from original oil paintings to Etruscan-style pottery. Small, quirky, and full of life, it's the kind of space that could easily feel cramped or cluttered if it weren't so thoughtfully designed at every turn. A wealth of south-facing windows filled the home with warm Tuscan sunlight, from the delightfully spacious king bedroom (there's also a charming daybed in the adjoining room that sleeps a third traveler) to the compact but attractive kitchen. As pleasant as the interiors were, we spent most of our time at the highlight of the penthouse: its two (two!) clay-tiled terraces. Stepping outside, I understood why they called it the 'panoramic penthouse', with views across the entire town and down into the forested ravine below.
Local Italy
27-06-2025
- Local Italy
La Bella Vita: Ordering pizza like an Italian and the events not to miss this July
La Bella Vita is our regular look at the real culture of Italy – from language to cuisine, manners to art. This newsletter is published weekly and you can receive it directly to your inbox, by going to newsletter preferences in 'My Account' or following the instructions in the newsletter box below. Of course, you've come to Italy to eat. And a real Italian pizza is no doubt near the top of the list of most people's priorities - whether that's a pizza napolitana or pizza romana. The former is the more traditional version (the dish did, after all, originate in Naples, which in 2017 was awarded UNESCO heritage status for its pizza-making process), and has a thicker, more elastic dough. The latter is thinner and crispier. And once you've decided on that, you'll be faced with plenty more choices at any good pizzeria in Italy - some of which come as a surprise to first-time visitors. We've put together five simple tips on ordering pizza confidently in Italy, whatever your preferences are. If you're planning a trip to Italy this summer and have already mastered the basics of the Italian language, how's your transport-related vocabulary? As well as the basics, there are some less obvious travel-related words and phrases that are likely to trip visitors up; from the correct word for a ride in a taxi to key phrases for deciphering public transport timetables. At the very least, you'll feel more confident while travelling when you know exactly what the difference is between a few of the more often-confused words. How many do you already know? And are there any more you'd add to this list? We'd love to hear what you think. Have you ever been to the Palio di Siena? If you haven't, you've probably still heard of it. It's one of the most famous horse races in the world, with the Tuscan town's 17 contrade, or neighbourhoods, competing against each other in the main Piazza del Campo. The Palio takes place twice a year, on July 2nd and August 16th, and it's one of the biggest summer cultural events in the country. But if you're not planning to be in Siena, there are plenty of other exciting events happening around Italy throughout July. We've listed some of our favourites in the article below. Is there an aspect of the Italian way of life you'd like to see us write more about? Please email us at news@
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SILVERSEA UNVEILS 2026 VENETIAN SOCIETY REUNION VOYAGE: A CELEBRATION OF ITALY'S FINEST, FROM PORTOFINO TO PORTO SANTO STEFANO AND BEYOND
Venetian Society members selected the itinerary for the 2026 Reunion Voyage, which will depart Nice on June 19th, 2026, and will be hosted by Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea MIAMI, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Silversea has unveiled a new Venetian Society Reunion Voyage aboard Silver Shadow for 2026. The 12-day sailing will depart Nice on a round-trip itinerary on June 19th, 2026, taking in some of Italy's most iconic destinations, as well as smaller gems. Open to both returning guests and those new to the brand, Silversea's Venetian Society Reunion Voyages provide travelers with an opportunity to discover the world's most enriching destinations while making lifelong friends. From Nice, France, Silver Shadow will take in Livorno (Tuscany) on an overnight call, before setting course for Porto Santo Stefano; Civitavecchia (Rome); Valletta, Malta; Giardini Naxos (Sicily); Salerno; Ponza; Portoferraio (Elba); and Portofino. Guests will arrive back in Nice on July 1st. Hosted by Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea, the special voyage will feature onboard receptions, enriched entertainment, and special experiences ashore. Venetian Society members can enjoy perks such as a five percent cruise fare discount and commemorative gifts. "Our Venetian Society Reunion Voyages truly reflect what makes Silversea special," said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. "They bring together a close community of past guests, offer exceptional service, and feature immersive experiences — both on board and ashore. From curated events to memorable entertainment and thoughtful touches along the way, these voyages celebrate the spirit of Silversea. I look forward to welcoming both returning and new guests aboard Silver Shadow in 2026 for an unforgettable reunion." Complementing the signature enhancements that enrich each Silversea Venetian Society Reunion Voyage, guests can enjoy the following experiences ashore, which feature among over 100 distinct shore experiences offered on this sailing alone: LIVORNO, ITALY Mid-Voyage Land Adventure: A taste of Tuscany Guests can opt to disembark Silver Shadow, rejoining in Porto Santo Stefano, to take a captivating three-day journey through the heart of Tuscany, where rolling hills, hilltop villages, and unforgettable flavors come together in perfect harmony. Guests will explore Siena and its deep-rooted Palio traditions, discover charming Cortona, and enjoy authentic farm experiences, cheese-making, and wine tastings in the idyllic Val D'Orcia. From the Renaissance beauty of Pienza to the prestigious wine estates of Montepulciano and Montalcino, this tour offers the very essence of Tuscany — including its storied history, unrivaled scenery, and exceptional cuisine. S.A.L.T. Dreamy San Miniato: Meet a Natural Wine Master and Learn Wine & Food Pairing with Emiko Davies and Marco LamiTravelers can delve deeper into the charm of Tuscany and its authentic culinary culture with an exclusive S.A.L.T. day tour that will blend history, gastronomy, and winemaking. Guests will first journey to Fattoria Collebrunacchi, an historic family-run estate nestled on the fertile San Miniato hills. Here, they will explore lush gardens, ancient cellars, and taste exceptional wines crafted since the 14th century, all from land rich with fossils and mineral-rich soils. Next, guests will venture into the medieval hilltop town of San Miniato, renowned for its culinary traditions and stunning vistas, where they will enjoy a private three-course lunch at Enoteca Marilu, hosted by food writer Emiko Davies and sommelier Marco Lami, featuring expert wine and food pairings that reveal the secrets of Tuscan flavor harmony. PORTO SANTO STEFANO, ITALY Wine Experience at Antinori "Le Mortelle" Winery with Lunch Guests will journey to Le Mortelle Winery, a stunning estate set amidst the rolling hills of Maremma where centuries of winemaking tradition meet breathtaking landscapes — founded by the Antinori family, whose lineage dates to 1385. Arriving at the 170-hectare vineyard, guests will discover a sustainably designed winery, much of which has been built underground to harness natural temperature and humidity for optimal aging. They will sample estate-grown seasonal fruit and freshly baked focaccia during tastings, before exploring the cellar and learning about the winemaking process. Rounding out the experience, guests will feast on a delicious three-course lunch paired with Le Mortelle's signature wines. GIARDINI NAXOS, ITALY Sicilian Cooking with Signora Consoli Guests can experience the vibrant flavors of Sicily through an authentic culinary journey from Giardini Naxos, beginning with a visit to the bustling markets of Catania. Led by Chef Monica Consoli — daughter of renowned gastronomic journalist Eleonora Consoli — travelers will participate in a small-group cooking class inside a charming 18th-century Sicilian home. After exploring the colorful local market near Porta Uzeda, they will discover fresh produce, seafood, and regional ingredients that embody Mediterranean cuisine. The journey continues to Viagrande, a picturesque village on Mount Etna's slopes. In Eleonora Consoli's historic residence, Monica will guide guests through the preparation of traditional pasta, vegetables, meat, and cakes. The meal, paired with local wines, will be enjoyed al fresco in the garden, offering an authentic taste of Sicilian family life. PORTOFINO, ITALY S.A.L.T. Unforgettable Picnic with a View, Wine & Focaccia at Eco Farm La Portofinese On this exclusive S.A.L.T. culinary experience, guests will be transported to Monte di Portofino in Liguria, with its breathtaking views. A scenic drive leads to La Portofinese Eco-Farm, a family-owned estate dedicated to sustainable land revival. Upon arrival, guests will enjoy panoramic vistas before participating in a private Ligurian focaccia demonstration, paired with farm-made Vermentino and refreshing local drinks. A farm-to-table picnic will feature crispy focaccia, cheese, honey, fresh fruit, and regional wines, enjoyed against stunning scenery. Afterwards, guests can relax or explore the farm's olive groves and vineyards, learning about its conservation efforts. They may also taste and purchase farm products, receive recipes, and enjoy the unforgettable views. Guests looking to sail sooner can still reserve their suite on the 2025 Venetian Society Reunion Voyage, which departs from Fusina (Venice) on October 17th, 2025, taking in the highlights of the Adriatic and Greece. Find our more information on Silversea's Venetian Society Reunion Voyages here:Venetian Society Reunions | Silversea About SilverseaSilversea is the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, offering guests immersive experiences on all seven continents, personalized service, and an innovative culinary offering aboard its 12 intimate ocean and expedition ships. Silversea's itineraries encompass an unparalleled range of destinations worldwide, from the Mediterranean and the Caribbean to the Galápagos, both Polar Regions, and hundreds of fascinating places in between. Set to strengthen its destination leadership in late 2025, the brand is developing the southernmost hotel on Earth in Puerto Williams, Chile – offering guests a uniquely seamless journey to Antarctica. Silversea brings its likeminded guests closer to their destination in uncompromised comfort, championing the joy of travel, an enriching spirit of discovery, and an enduring commitment To Finding More℠. Silversea is one of five cruise brands owned by global cruise company Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL). For more information, visit About Royal Caribbean GroupRoyal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is a vacation industry leader with a global fleet of 67 ships across its five brands traveling to all seven continents. With a mission to deliver the best vacations responsibly, Royal Caribbean Group serves millions of guests each year through its portfolio of best-in-class brands, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea; and an expanding portfolio of land-based vacation experiences through Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club collection. The company also owns 50% of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. With a rich history of innovating, Royal Caribbean Group continually delivers exciting new products and guest experiences that help shape the future of leisure travel. Learn more at or View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Silversea Cruises Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Local Italy
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Local Italy
What's on in Italy: 10 of the best events to look forward to this July
Palio di Siena, Siena - July 2nd The Palio di Siena is one of the most popular horse races in the world, with Siena's 17 contrade districts competing against each other in an intense contest held in the city's oval-shaped Piazza del Campo. First held in 1633, the Palio takes place twice a year: on July 2nd and August 16th. The July Palio is called Palio di Provenzano, while the August one is known as Palio dell'Assunta as an homage to the Assumption of Mary. A number of events are held in the three days preceding the race, including several trial runs and the momentous tratta (draw), where each competing contrada is randomly assigned a horse. On the day of the Palio, a parade made up of nearly 700 participants dressed in historical costumes enchants the public just before the start of the race. Umbria Jazz Festival, Perugia - July 11th-20th One of Europe's leading jazz festivals, Umbria Jazz has both a summer and a winter edition, with this year's summer festival set to run from July 11th to July 20th. Herbie Hancock, Mitch Woods, Mark Turner and Isaiah Collier are some of the international acts set to make an appearance in 2025. You can find this year's full programme here. Giostra della Quintana, Ascoli Piceno - July 12th If attending a medieval jousting tournament is on your bucket list, the city of Ascoli Piceno in the central Marche region is the place to be in July. The event takes place twice a year, with the first Giostra held on the second Saturday in July (falling on July 12th this year) and the second one unfolding on the first Sunday in August. Quintana Ascoli Piceno, Porta Tufilla aprirà gli assalti nella Giostra della Tradizione: la sfida entra nel vivo — Picenotime (@PicenoTime) August 5, 2023 The Quintana joust sees six 'knights', one from each of the city's sestieri (districts), ride their horse around a treacherous racetrack and insert their lance through a ring held by a statue of a Saracen warrior. The knight who hits the target with the greatest accuracy in the shortest time is declared the winner. The city of Ascoli goes all out to celebrate the Giostra, with a flag-throwing contest and a historical reenactment preceding the tournament. Festino di Santa Rosalia, Palermo - July 14th On July 15th, Sicily's capital celebrates its patron saint's day with the Festino di Santa Rosalia (in dialect, u fistinu). Rosalia Sinibaldi was a young 12th-century Norman noblewoman who ran away shortly before her wedding to live as a religious mystic and hermit on Monte Pellegrino. According to legend, when a deadly plague hit Palermo in 1624, Rosalia appeared on two separate occasions instructing people to find her bones and parade them around the city; they did so, and the plague abated. Every year on July 14th, a statue of La Santuzza is paraded down the city's main thoroughfares to music and singing, ending with a fireworks display at sea. July 15th is a more solemn affair, with a silver urn containing the saint's relics carried down Corso Vittorio Emanuele in a sombre procession. Located right between the Tyrrhenian coastline and Lake Massaciuccoli, the small town of Torre del Lago, hosts a prestigious open-air opera festival entirely dedicated to Italian maestro Giacomo Puccini every summer. This year's edition, which runs on various dates from July 18th to September 6th, features performances of La Boheme, Tosca, Turandot and Madama Butterfly, among other classics. All shows will be held in a lakeside arena offering spectators unique views of Lake Massaciuccoli and the surrounding hills. Festa del Redentore, Venice - July 19th-20th Held every year on the third Sunday of July, Venice's Festa del Redentore (Feast of the Redeemer) commemorates the end of a plague that decimated Venice's population, killing as many as 46,000 residents between 1575 and 1576. A number of events take place on the weekdays preceding the feast itself, including the construction of a floating walkway connecting Venice to the nearby Giudecca island. Celebrations traditionally kick off on Saturday afternoon, punctuated by a 40-minute fireworks display over the lagoon's waters at around 11.30pm. Caracalla Festival, Rome - June 29th-August 7th For those who like opera with a touch of ancient charm, Rome's open-air Caracalla Festival is a stunning event to attend in July. The festival is held at the famed Baths of Caracalla – one of Ancient Rome's largest public bath complexes. The yearly event attracts top-tier performers and directors from around the world, offering spectators a chance to witness the magic of opera in the warm summer air. This year's programme, which focuses on the complex interplay 'between the sacred and the human', features performances of Handel's Resurrection, Verdi's La Traviata, Mozart's Don Giovanni and Bernstein's West Side Story. The 2025 Caracalla Festival will run throughout July, ending on August 7th. Arena Opera Festival, Verona - June 13th-September 6th Every year the Verona Arena, an ancient Roman amphitheatre built in 30 AD, hosts one of Italy's most prestigious opera festivals. The festival celebrated its centenary in 2023 – 100 years after the first performance of Giuseppe Verdi's Aida was staged within its walls – and shows no signs of slowing down. A view of the famous Verona Arena during a concert in July 2020. Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP This season opera buffs will have the opportunity to see performances of Nabucco, Carmen, Rigoletto and Carmina Burana, among other classics. You can find the full 2025 calendar here. Giostra dell'Orso, Pistoia - July 25th If you miss out on Ascoli Piceno's Quintana, don't despair - you'll have the opportunity to attend another medieval jousting tournament towards the end of the month in the Tuscan town of Pistoia. The Giostra dell'Orso, or Bear Joust, involves costumed rivals from the city's four districts (Porta al Borgo, Porta Carratica, Porta San Marco and Porta Lucchese) competing to strike a target in the shape of a wooden bear with their lance. The event is held on Pistoia's patron saint's day, the Festa di San Jacopo, and is preceded by a historical procession featuring flag throwers and buglers. Youth Jubilee, Rome - July 28th-August 3rd The Catholic Church's Youth Jubilee – a major festival inviting young people from around the globe to celebrate faith, unity, and hope through prayer – will take place in Rome between July 28th and August 3rd. The event, which is part of celebrations for the Church's Jubilee Year, includes a mix of masses, talks and workshops, including a mass with Pope Leo in the capital's Tor Vergata park. Around one million pilgrims are expected to travel to Rome to attend the event, according to estimates from research centre Certa. By Elaine Allaby and Giampietro Vianello.
The Herald Scotland
03-06-2025
- The Herald Scotland
I discovered a fascinating link between Scotland and the art of Siena
Siena, helped by its position on the Via Francigena, an important pilgrim and trade route to Rome, had risen as a centre of culture as well as of commerce after it defeated its rival Florence in 1260. Architecture and art in all forms flourished and Sienese painters, originally influenced by byzantine art, began to move away from stylized and devotional representations towards more secular, narrative portrayals. Some feature skilfully executed architecture, many are decorative and lyrical and others notable for the expressive and poetic faces. For those not lucky enough to be able to visit Siena, the exhibition Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300 - 1350 running at the National Gallery, London until June 22 contains fine examples. The artists included the Lorenzetti brothers and Simone Martini but it was undoubtedly Duccio who was the master. Fresco by Pinturicchio in the Piccolomini Library showing Aneas Silvius Piccolomino meeting King James I of Scotland (Image: unknown) It was in recognition that he had created something superb that the procession of the Maestà was arranged. To show it off it did not however, take the direct route to the cathedral but a more circuitous one and I realised that by following it, even today I would discover much of the art and architecture for which Siena is famous. The procession in fact headed straight down to the newly built Piazza del Campo which the year before had hosted the very first Palio, the horse race which still takes place every summer. It is a unique scallop-shaped space of great charm which, then as now, quickly established itself as the heart of Siena. Sheltered by tall imposing buildings and edged with cafes, there are fewer more pleasant places to sit and relax. Within the piazza is the town hall, the Palazzo Pubblico, an impressive example of medieval/gothic civic architecture. This was commissioned by The Nine, the governing body of the city, together with a series of magnificent frescoes still to be found in almost every room. The most outstanding are the enormous Allegories of Good and Bad Government painted in 1338 by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, which not only reminded citizens of the importance of good governance and the potential consequences of bad decisions but also provide us today with an unparalleled glimpse of 14th century Tuscan life. Piazza del Campo (Image: Visit Tuscany) Here too in the Sala del Mappamondo is Simone Martini's Maestà painted just after Duccio's as well as his fresco portrait of the mounted warlord Giudoricco da Fogiano, between the castles he had conquered, resplendent in the same striking livery as his horse. This is one of the first truly secular paintings created with both realism and imagination. From the Piazza the procession did not have far to travel to the cathedral but the followers may not have seen all its wonders as we do today because it took many years to complete. Conversely, if we want to see Duccio's Maestà now (many Sienese art works were lent to the London exhibition but this one remained firmly at home) we need to cross over to the Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana. There I sat quietly and contemplated the glorious masterpiece which, although stripped of some predellas and smaller paintings, still finds itself 714 years later at (almost) its original location. It remained on the high altar for some years and was then moved around the cathedral several times before being dismembered and sections sold off in the eighteenth century. It was moved to its present location in 1878 and now some 33 of the smaller sections are found in 10 collections in I 5 countries. Hotel Duomo in Siena (Image: Hotel Duomo) Before leaving the cathedral complex, I entered the Piccolomini Library where I came upon a fascinating link between Siena and Scotland. Amongst the frescos painted by Pinturicchio around 1505 there is one depicting King James 1 of Scotland receiving Aeneas Silivius Piccolmini, the future Pope Pius II. The king sits enthroned under a loggia surrounded by courtiers but there is nothing remotely Scottish about this rather enchanting scene. The style of the clothing is entirely Italian and the background, a lake on which a gondola-like boat sails, is as different from the Firth of Forth as one can imagine. Yet such a meeting did occur. In 1335 Aenaes Silvius, aged 30, did go to meet the Scottish monarch in Edinburgh on a mysterious diplomatic mission. He had many adventures including a shipwreck - he also got a Sienese lady pregnant…Later, another famous Scotsman, James Boswell while ostensibly looking at art on his Grand Tour also had several dalliances in Siena and was in fact the love object of Girolama Piccolomino, a situation from which he apparently, 'beat a hasty retreat.' Read more Of course Siena has much more to offer than art; there are numerous excellent restaurants: La Taverna del Capitano, Enoteca I Terzi, Ristorante il Particolare, Ristorante San Desidero and Ristorante il Tufo were amongst those wherein I enjoyed good local dishes. There are also all the smart shops one expects from a thriving Italian city but why not take the opportunity in this city so imbued with art, to buy enduring treasures from local artist and crafts people? A complete list of artisans can be found at For truly exquisite paintings ( expensive but worth it considering work involved) Chiara Perinetti Casoni together with her brother Paolo, use the old traditional techniques of wood, egg tempera and gilding to produce both copies and enchanting original works which capture the essence of the Sienese masters. Several other people including Marco Caratelli, offer similar works Siena is not only a beautiful city in itself but the visitor will find within it a unique treasure trove of beautiful things to enjoy. Duccio 's Maestà (Image: free) FACT BOX Patricia Cleveland-Peck travelled to Florence courtesy of Vueling Airlines. Flights from Edinburgh connect via Barcelona. She was hosted by Tuscany Official Tourism She stayed at the Hotel Duomo, Siena Thanks too to the Comune di Siena, Councillor Mrs Vanna Giunti and Veronika Wobbe. Also to the city guides, Giulia, Lucovica and Anna
