Q Magazine - Winter 2018/19

Siena Surrounded by the rolling landscape of the central Tuscan winelands, the city of Siena occupies a strident, hilltop location that recalls its medieval heyday when Siena competed for power as an independent republic against Florence. Sadly, the might of its neighbour came to bear and the city’s autonomy was absorbed into The Grand Duchy of Tuscany (Florence), unlike canny Lucca, which remained an independent state like Venice well into the 18th century. However, the architecture and traditions of this Renaissance city have been remarkably preserved including its beautiful cathedral, the colourful festival of the Palio and the imposition of an extended traffic free pedestrian zone in the heart of the medieval city centre. The numerous hilltop towns surrounding Siena are all beautifully preserved jewels of art and architecture whether it be the sight of the 15 towers that dominate the skyline of San Gimignano (in medieval times there were 72) or the 14 turrets on the high walls surrounding Monteriggioni . For many, due to the prestige of its local grapevine cultivation, Montalcino is a particularly favoured destination and home to one of Italy’s finest wines, Brunello di Montalcino. Bagno Vignoni is famous for its natural hot springs. The hot water flows in a shallow channel along the edge of the town where you can sit and soak your aching feet or you can have a proper bathe in the town’s famous spa. ...the wish list of “must sees” are too many to list here, but hopefully this brief overview will stimulate you to enjoy your own Tuscan two-centre journey of discovery. Montage below from left to right:: Piazza San Martino in Lucca, The pageantry of the Palio in Siena The swimming pool at Belmond Castello di Casole 5 Affairs of the Estate Belmond Castello di Casole , nr. Siena Lying just 20 minutes from the centre of Siena, Belmond Castello di Casole is a 41 suite hotel in a large, private estate (once home to Italian filmmaker, Visconti). There is an interesting mix of accommodation. Most suites stick closely to the stylistic parameters of the old castle, whether in the main building, the old priest’s quarters or the outlying farm buildings. Nine of them, though, the Oliveto Suites, are strikingly contemporary. The stunning hotel pool overlooks a vista of rolling hills with the Castle behind. There is a rich array of activities available including truffle hunting, cookery classes, a sublime spa, or perhaps spend the day driving around the nearby villages and towns including San Gimignano and Monteriggioni in a vintage car.