The Luminous Apartment in Siena

Thick stone walls create a sense of velvety silence and the stone stairway, leading up to the second-floor apartment, is worn with footsteps of the ages.

There are so many options of where to stay while traveling that it makes the decision all the more challenging, but also intriguing. I love to pour over the images and descriptions of each destination under consideration; our trip to Italy was no different. After months of flirting with various lodging ideas - a villa in the countryside perhaps - we happened upon a charming apartment in the historic city center of Siena. The second-floor apartment is housed in a former monastery and it looked like the right place for us.

As with most of our travels, Scott and I crafted what we wanted our experience to be in Siena. We wanted an authentic, medieval city living situation in the heart of the city center. We wanted thick stone walls, rough-hewn beamed ceilings and cheery window boxes gracing the windows. We wanted to scour the markets for fresh, simple fare and create a few authentic Italian dishes in our own kitchen. We wanted to bring in fresh loaves of bread and slather it with jams from the countryside. We wanted to bring in fruit forward bottles of wine and toast to living 'la dolce vita' while we nibbled at the fresh cheeses from the shop on the corner.

I, secretly, wanted to hang our laundry out on the line from the window, just like the locals.

If these walls could talk they would have a rainbow of colorful stories to tell.

Upon our arrival in Siena, having left the Amalfi Coast that morning, we were warmly greeted by the owner, Anna, who showed us around the 3 bedroom/2 bath apartment on the second floor. Anna sat us down to review notes she has prepared for her guests. She shared tips on where to dine, where to shop and what sites to see, along with a map on how to get around. Anna and her husband, Franco, could not have been more helpful during our stay. Their apartment is on the floor below and the pride of ownership is evident in how they tend to their guests. They described a bit of their lifestyle in Siena to us and, believe me, Anna and Franco have learned to live life Italian style and it shows.

A video tour of our apartment with a surprisingly messy ending.

From the website description of the apartment:

About the owner: Anna is a physical therapist who works in Siena and loves her work. Franco is her husband and is a banker in Siena. They love welcoming guests from all over the world, especially people who are curious about Italian culture.

Why the Owner Chose Siena, Siena, Italy: This is the ideal apartment for exploring the gorgeous Gothic jewel that Siena is. The tower of the Church of San Giorgio is part of the apartment's inner structure. The apartment is well cared for, immaculately clean, and reflects the serenity and beauty of Tuscan style.

The Unique Benefits at this Apartment: Location, location, location! The presence of the owners nearby is a definite advantage. In spite of its inner town location, the apartment is very quiet. There is every convenience; dishwasher, washing machine, one bath with shower, and one bath has a bathtub. Separate thermostat for heat.

As a travel consultant, I highly recommend this spacious, luminous apartment in the heart of Siena for couples, families and groups of friends. Truth be told, it is so spacious that Scott and I got turned around trying to find the kitchen a time or two.

If you visit Siena during Palio season- July 2nd and August 16th - you will be in for an unforgettable cultural experience. The Christmas season is also a magical time to visit, according to Anna and Franco. Our thanks to our new Italian friends for making our stay unforgettable!

For more on our visit to Siena and a stylish wedding in Siena.

Have you visited Siena?

Planning a trip? I'd love to help create an unforgettable getaway for you.

If you are interested in information on the apartment, or travel planning services, please contact me at Curated Travel

Ciao!