Tuscany - Italy - page 179

180
Clothing
For a great selection of Armani, Gucci, and all the usual suspects, stop at Cortecci
(Via Banchi di Sopra, 27, and Il Campo, 30; % 0577-280984), which has a
friendly staff and a large inventory.
If you're in the mood for something more unique, drop by Tesutto a Mano
(Via San Pietra, 7; % 0577-282200), where the owner weaves luxurious sweaters,
scarves, and shawls—you may see her hard at work on her loom.
Curios
An interesting glass workshop/souvenir shop is Vetrate Artistiche (Via della
Galluzza, 5; % 0577-48033), where you can watch workers complete their
stained-glass projects. If you're not building a church, you can still buy their jew-
elry, picture frames, and mosaic household items. They also offer apprenticeships
if you're planning on sticking around for a few months.
Wine
Part museum, part wine shop, part bar, the government-run Enoteca Italiana
(Fortezza Medicea Via Camollia, 72; % 0577-227187; www.enoteca-italiana.it;
Tues-Sat noon-1am) is meant to promote Italian wines, with a focus on Tuscany.
The 750-label, multithousand-bottle collection represents the best the region has to
offer. Stop by in the early evening to enjoy some snacks with the tastings.
The Enoteca San Domenico (Via del Paradiso, 56; % 0577-271181; www.
enotecasandomenico.it) is a good place to shop for area wines and gourmet prod-
ucts, including olive oils, dried herbs, pastas, and sweets.
NIGHTLIFE
In 1765, Scotsman James Boswell wrote of the after-hours pleasures of Siena: “I
found that people lived there in a completely natural fashion, making love as their
inclinations suggested . . . Intoxicated by that sweet delirium, I gave myself up,
without self-reproach and in complete serenity, to the charms of irregular love.”
While Siena is not the hotbed of free love that it apparently was in the 1760s, a
good time can still be had at night in a variety of stylish, smaller nightspots, as
well as in the requisite Irish pubs. For larger clubs, locals head down the road to
Poggibonsi.
I particularly like the artsy, ever-so-hip Corte del Miracoli (Via Roma, 56;
% 0577-48596), a student/hippie hangout with live shows, avant-garde theater,
and music. The shows can be odd, but always amusing, and the crowd is quite
friendly. For a more adult night on the town, catch occasional live music in the
swank jazz bar, The Tea Room (Porta Giustizia, 11; % 0577-222753).
Or try what seems to be Siena's unofficial drink—sangria!--at Buena Vista
Social Pub (Via San Martino, 31; % 0577-221423). It offers a Spanish/Caribbean
flair and is a popular place to hang out. It also has limited pub grub. Sangria,
Guinness, and general foolishness can be had at Barone Rosso (Via dei Termini,
9; % 0577-286686; www.barone-rosso.com), which also features DJs and live
music.