Entertainment Guide to Siena

Siena veritably leaks antiquity from its walls and atmosphere but it is hardly behind the times. That's because it retains its youth and verve, thanks to the university and the constant attraction that the area holds for young people from all over the world. As a result, there is no danger of being bored here at night. During the summer, open-air feasts and festivals are held every weekend, often at the same time, providing party goers with a variety of options on the same evening. In addition, there are masses of places for young people to meet up, such as pubs, bars and discos. The difference is in the size, as there are not infinite, huge places where you can lose yourself in Siena. The largest discos are on the outskirts of the city, but due to the small size of the town, this doesn't mean that they are very far away.

Pubs & Bars The pubs and bars are mostly in the center of town. The osterie, or inns, offer a chance for guests to sample some of the area's great wines. Here you can recapture some of the old flavors of the city, and has become an activity that is being rediscovered by young people. This is not an incentive for heavy drinking, but a way to enjoy a good wine as it should be served—accompanied by a snack. There is also the opportunity to learn about wine making techniques, and how different wines are made using these traditional methods. For anyone who feels like a beer, there are a number of English and Irish-style pubs that are open until late at night—though this is in comparison to other places in Siena, not to bars in other towns such as Rimini, where a closing time of 3a is more likely to be the norm. The Dublin Post is your typical Irish pub, featuring wood interiors, loud music, and lots of Guinness. Music can be heard almost anywhere, and there is live music of all kinds to be found. If you are in the mood for some fast-paced music and dancing, head to Il Barone Rosso, a popular night-spot for students in the university.

Music & Theatre Of course, drinking and dancing aren't the only ways to spend an evening in Siena. There is also a large choice of cultural activities to keep you from idleness. The university organizes an annual "Parole e Musica" (Words and Music) program, which covers dramatic arts and offers good, inexpensive shows. There are also all the traditional entertainments, with eight cinemas and theatres that have excellent seasons throughout the winter, such as the Teatro dei Rinnovati and the Teatro dei Rozzi. There are also classical music concerts in winter, organized by the Accademia Chigiana, which take place in the halls of the Palazzo Chigi Saracini. Students on a budget need not fear, as there are a variety of discounts to be found. Siena has also become known as a jazz center, as it holds a variety of concerts between the end of July and the first week in August and which feature a host of famous names. In addition, Siena has become renowned for the study of jazz theory that takes place here.

The Palio Palio is the summer's biggest event for residents of the city, and is also of great interest to visitors seeking a thrill. The people of the various districts of Siena follow their ritual of strategies, hopes, prayers, dramas, and more-- all to win a horse race. No visit to Siena is complete without this exciting race to cap off the fun.