Siena

Founded by the Etruscans, Siena was Roman colony to the time of August. It became Episcopalian center in 700 after the occupation longobarda, but in the XI secolo' was affirmed as secular commune. Sour struggles divided Siena from Florence, so much that this last, in 1260, Montaperti was defeated to. After being governed by varied dominions, the city fell under the imperial dominion and entered to belong to the state Mediceo, then of that Lorenese up to 1859, gives in which was attached to the Kingdom of ltalia.

31 October 2009 - Sixth Urban Trekking National Day in Siena

“Trekking and mysteries” - Walking on All Saints night

The Taste of Trekking: trick or treat walking in Siena
31 October 2009

Urban trekking is a sport for all. Following an itinerary on foot through hilly city streets does not require any special training. It is a perfect way of toning up the mind and body for everyone who is forced to live in cramped spaces and feels the need to liberate pent-up energies.
Ideal also for children, urban trekking is a new and entertaining way to get to know the history and artistic beauty of a city where it is still possible to walk around easily and breathe clean air.

What to eat and drink
Panforte, Ricciarelli, local cinta pork salami, pecorino cheese.

What to buy
Wooden balls and tin horses with the colors of the contradas, toy carts and bells.

3 - 7 October 2009 - Following the traces of St Francis of Assisi

Following the traces of St Francis of Assisi
Sat 3 - Wed 7 October

An easy but intense excursion in the high Tiberina Valley, following the traces of Saint Francis of Assisi.

• 6/7 hours walking per day
• Price: € 170,00
• Guide: Luca Panaro Write me a message and take a look at my website here 

You can take a long or a short break in a truly charming farmhouse in the vicinity:

Villa Siena - Web Page










Borgo "La Chiusa" - Web page

Recipe of the week: "Nana in Castagna" (Goose breast with Chestnuts)

Thanks to our dear friends and personal chef for giving us the opportunity to share with you their fabulous recipes
 
Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

• 2 goose breasts
• 500 gr roasted chestnuts (* see how to roast chestnuts)
• 2 shallots
• 2 sprigs of sage
• Salt, pepper, olive oil and white wine to taste

Preparation:

Make sure you buy your goose breast already cleaned and deboned.
Clean the roast chestnuts.
Spread the breasts on a cooking surface and season them with salt and pepper and add half the chestnuts. Roll the breast up and tie it tightly with a thread.
Place the goose on a baking tray lined with olive oil and covered with tin foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 180° for 30 minutes.
Take out of the oven; add white wine and the remaining chestnuts. Place back into the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes.
When cooked, slice up and serve with its own gravy.

* How to easily roast warm, yummy, chestnuts:

1. Buy some chestnuts from your grocery store or local produce market, etc.
2. Set Oven for 325-350 degrees. Select a pan or sheet pan. Foil line if desired, but there is no need to grease the pan.

Pure & Authentic

Pure and Authentic represents a fine selection of private homes, villas and farmhouses. Pure and Authentic is dedicated to ensuring a unique holiday experience in stunning settings, off the beaten track.

Siena City Walk

This circular walk takes you past the major attractions of Siena and also through quieter neighbourhoods with less famous sights, though none the less interesting, and will give you a real feeling for the city and its history. The notes below will complement those under ‘Siena’ in this booklet or the information in any simple guidebook on the city. (Since it is difficult to reproduce a suitably detailed map of the city I recommend that you collect a map from the tourist office.) 

Check all the details on Pure & Authentic Holiday Leisure
 

You can take a long or a short break in a truly charming farmhouse in the vicinity:

Villa Siena










Borgo "La Chiusa"

Recipe of the week: "La Ribollita"

Ribollita is the most typical Tuscan dish - it is a vegetable soup whose name means 'boiled again'.

It is quite rare to find the authentic recipe anywhere, as traditionally, the Ribollita was nothing but the leftover of a 3 day old vegetable soup, boiled again with onion slices and old bread.

Its main ingredient, which makes it different from any vegetable soup, is black cabbage - cavolo nero.

The recipe that follows is our favourite version of Ribollita, as cooked by our friend and chef Luana.

La Ribollita

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 200g borlotti beans
• 300g Cabbage
• 300g Cavolo nero
• 2 Carrots
• 2 sticks of Celery
• 1 large Onion
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1 Leek
• 2 Spring onions
• 400g Bietole (swiss chard)
• 1 bunch Parsley
• 1 bunch Basil chopped
• 2 spring Onions chopped
• 300g stale Bread cubed
• ½ litre Water
• Salt & Pepper (to taste)
• Pinch chilli powder
• 4 tablespoons Oil
  

Preparation:

Cut vegetables and place in a pan with herbs, oil, salt, pepper and chilli.
Place on low heat, simmer vegetables in their own juice do not add water.
When all their natural liquid has evaporated add water a little at a time until vegetables are cooked.
Heat oil in a non-stick frying pan add cooked vegetables and cubed bread, bring to boil and simmer until combined. If the mixture is too dry add extra water and heat through.
For a firm, well combined consistency simmer until mixture doesn’t stick to the pan.
Remove from heat and add basil, parsley and spring onions.
Serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Siena Film Festival

Siena Film Festival
6-10 October
13th edition - International competition focused on social and universal issues.
This year the films preferred will deal with matters about the abused children, environmental protection, human rights and peace.
Twenty films in competition will be screened at Cinema Nuovo Pendola, where will take place the meetings with directors and actors. Also great music devoted to a songwriter and poet.

Accomodation available within 5 kms from the festival:

Borgo "La Chiusa" - Web page

Wine & Grapes festival

Chiusi
from 19/09/2009 to 27/09/2009
A traditional look at the wines of Porsenna. As well as wine tasting in all the canteens and Osterias, there are also cultural activities and games between the town's districts. The "tripartite" is a traditional competition of the grape festival; three football teams and three balls on the field.

You can take a long or a short break in a truly charming farmhouse in the vicinity:

Antico Mulino - Web page

Loft in Milan

Coming soon on pureandauthentic.co.uk ....
Loft in Milan: next to Porta Ticinese, only 5 minutes from the beauty of Navigli with their happening pubs and restaurants.