8 October / SIENA TOUR (3:00 PM)
Included in registration fee
Siena, a medieval city, is still characterized by its towers, palaces, churches, squares, fountains, and walls that shape its urban fabric. Among these stands the Piazza del Campo, with its shell shape, the towering and imposing Palazzo Pubblico, and the Torre del Mangia. The Duomo, with its Gothic façade, a masterpiece of Giovanni Pisano’s genius, is also striking.
Every corner of the city reveals surprising buildings, reflecting Siena’s historical events: Palazzo Tolomei, built in 1270 with stones from the rival Salvani family’s buildings, home to one of the city’s oldest families; Palazzo Chigi Saracini, the impressive seat of the Accademia Musicale Chigiana; and Palazzo Salimbeni, an 18th-century neo-medieval work by architect Giuseppe Partini.
Among the wealth of ancient and modern Gothic architecture, Siena also boasts important examples of Renaissance architecture, such as Palazzo Piccolomini, and Baroque, such as the Church of Refugio.
In addition to public and private buildings, Siena is renowned for its public works, such as the impressive network of fountains, fed by the ingenious “Bottini” aqueduct, or the city’s wall system, still largely intact and surrounded by green valleys, preserved thanks to the foresight of past Sienese citizens.
The tour will uncover unusual and unique places in Siena, featuring distinguished civil and religious architecture, public and private buildings, as well as green spaces within the city walls.
The tour will start from Santa Maria della Scala at 3:00 PM.
8 October / WELCOME APERITIVO at TARTARUGONE (8:00 PM)
Included in registration fee
9 October / TASTING DINNER at THE ARCHITECT’S OSTERIA (8:00 PM)
€35 per ticket
The Culture of Craftsmanship: The Architect’s Osteria
The Architect’s Osteria is a unique initiative designed for enthusiasts of architecture and wine, conceived by Fiorenzo Valbonesi and Roberto Bosi. This event offers a space for open dialogue, where selected guests engage with participants on topics of architecture, wine, and the local region, all while enjoying tastings of fine wines and local products.
At the osteria’s counter, a diverse range of professionals from the fields of architecture, land development, and regeneration will take turns sharing their expertise, encouraged by the host to engage in meaningful exchanges with the attendees. This particular evening will focus on the theme of WP60, “Reinventing the (In)Visible Cities.”
The evening’s stars will be the wines and typical products from the region.
The event will take place in the cloister of the Basilica of San Francesco, one of the most important churches in Siena, located in Piazza San Francesco. The San Francesco Convent was built in the 15th century and expanded in 1518. Following secularisation, it became the home of the Faculty of Economics at the University of Siena and the Legal Circle Library, which boasts over 177,000 volumes and pamphlets, as well as numerous manuscripts.
“If efficiency and speed are the only criteria by which work is judged, if mobility and multitasking are the prize-winners, then the workman’s craft is doomed. And we all lose out”.
The Craftsman (2008) Richard Sennett.
10 October / SOCIAL DINNER the CONTRADA TRADITION (8:30 PM)
€45 per ticket (the ticket includes access and 1 drink voucher for the AFTER DINNER party at La Tuberosa)
The city of Siena is based on the city’s mediaeval framework organised into 17 neighbourhoods, called Contrade. They define very unique characteristics of the Sienese community. The glue of these communities is the sense of belonging and identity towards its flag, its colours and the symbol it carries. Each contrada has its own symbols, but all 17 constitute a network that helps create a sense of cohesion and social bonding. They are in fact a catalyst for solidarity and social interaction, strengthening ties and creating a community of individuals with a common goal. These institutions, more than in other places, have been guarantors of the preservation of traditions and a strong sense of belonging to and caring for the city.
Each contrada has a museum where artistic elements are collected as part of its history and tradition, as well as the Palii they have won over the years.
The social dinner is organised in the historical premises of one of the contrade and will be preceded by a guided tour of the museum. A unique opportunity to experience from inside and learn more about an identifying characteristic of the city of Siena.
10 October / AFTER DINNER “Get together” PARTY at LA TUBEROSA (10:00 PM)
included if you purchase the ticket for the Social Dinner at Contrada (individual tickets may be available for purchase onsite if capacities allow)
At the end of the dinner, participants will be treated to an exclusive party at “La Tuberosa,” which has been reserved solely for them. It will be a special moment to celebrate together in a private setting, adding a festive touch to the evening’s experience.
11 October / GALA DINNER at IL TUFO (8:00 PM)
€100 per ticket
Join us for an unforgettable evening of luxury and indulgence at Il Tufo, an exclusive fine dining experience nestled in the heart of Piazza del Campo. Set against the backdrop of one of Italy’s most iconic squares, this gala dinner promises an exquisite fusion of tradition and innovation, all while embracing the finest in Tuscan gastronomy.
At Il Tufo, we are proud to present a unique culinary journey. Il Tufo’s chefs have carefully crafted a menu that highlights the rich flavors of Tuscany, blending time-honored recipes with modern techniques to create an unforgettable dining experience.
As you step into Il Tufo, you are immediately enveloped by an atmosphere of sophistication. The interior is designed to reflect the timeless beauty of the Tuscan countryside, with warm, rustic tones, elegant furnishings, and subtle, modern touches that elevate the space into a realm of true luxury. Large windows frame stunning views of Piazza del Campo, allowing the golden hues of the setting sun to flood the room, creating an enchanting ambiance for an unforgettable evening.
To complement each course, we offer a selection of Tuscany’s most celebrated wines. Expert sommeliers have chosen a selection of nuances of these exquisite wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for every bite.
At Il Tufo, you are invited to indulge in a setting that is as exquisite as the cuisine. Join us for an evening where the beauty of your surroundings is matched only by the exclusivity of the experience.
