Siena, Italy — Activities
Siena Culture
Life in Siena is dominated by preparations for the Palio (bareback horserace). The most important arts events are musical and are organized by the Accademia Musicale Chigiana. Their concert season runs from November to March, with classical concerts held in the medieval Palazzo Chigi Saracini, Via di Citta (tel: (0577) 22091; website: www.chigiana.it). The Teatro dei Rinnovati, Piazza del Campo (tel: (0577) 292 265), is currently closed for renovations, so the Teatro dei Rozzi, Piazza Independenza (tel: (0577) 46960; website: www.comune.siena.it), is the main theater, staging works by Shakespeare and contemporary plays. Musicals and ballets also take place here.
Siena has several cinemas, some of which show foreign films in the original language. Mainstream cinemas are the Odeon, Via Banchi di Sopra 31 (tel: (0577) 42976), Fiamma, Via di Pantaneto 141 (tel: (0577) 284 503) and Metropolitan, Pazza G Matteotti (tel: (0577) 47109), while art house films are sometimes shown at the Cinema Nuovo Pendola, Via San Quirico 13 (tel: (0577) 43012) and Moderno, Via Calzoleria 44 (tel: (0577) 289 201).
For general information on movies shown in Siena, try www.mymovies.it/cinema/siena. Listings can be found on www.sienaonline.com, and events are advertised on posters around Piazza Matteotti
Siena Tours
A variety of walking tours are offered by Guide Siena (tel: (0577) 43273; website: www.guidesiena.it). Tours do not take place at set times and those interested should check with the company first. Tours can be pre-booked and specially arranged. Themes covered include a general introduction to the city sights, religious architecture, pilgrimage routes in Siena and exploration of the city walls. Guide Siena also offers tours to attractions outside the city, such as San Gimignano. Walking and cycling day trips into the surrounding countryside are run by Walking and Cycling Agency (tel: (338) 895 0100; website: www.trovatoservices.com).
