Historical geography. Siena craft workshops

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Fragment of a painting by Alessandro Voltolini © toscana.artour.it/

Alessandro Voltolini creates both modern and traditional artistic interiors, using different techniques, such as trompe l'oeil and fresco. His workshop also deals with the restoration of antiques, decor and finishing of antique furniture - everything to make your interior unique. Figurines from artificial marble, indistinguishable from the real thing, and the new “Tables Peintes” for those who want to decorate the room in a practical and individual way. Voltini products are also suitable for exterior finishing, commercial premises, exhibitions, public places. The works of this workshop are examples of real decorative and applied art.

Address: Via J. Cozzarelli, 13

"Galeon" by Biagi Federico

Bracelet made by Il Galeone © toscana.artour.it

"Galeon" is a young and dynamic company, already operating not only in the local but also in the international market. Specializes in both gold jewelry and precious stones, as well as on less expensive products made of silver and semi-precious stones. Their products can be recommended to those who love the classics, but do not want to completely give up their individual style. Their latest collection is called “Silver Tales” and is based on the drawings of Giovanna Giudici.

"Art Laboratory" by Luca Pollai

Wooden painted spheres © Senarte Sienaperta / Flickr.com

Luca Pollai was born in 1966 in Siena, where he lives to this day. His artistic talent developed into State Institute art named after Duccio di Buoninsegna. At the same time, he studied music, receiving a diploma from the R. Franchi Music Institute. In 1996, he opens his “Art Laboratory” in the center of Siena, on Via Santa Caterina, where he works in sculpture and graphics. Knowledge of the techniques of the great masters of the past and his creative approach opened the way for him in various fields of art: artistic painting on wood and boxes, cold glass painting, silk-screen printing on wood, gilding with gold leaf, drawings on fabric and artistic reproduction of art objects. Luke has knowledge and modern technologies, creating logos and prototypes for interiors.

Candle Factory

For ten years now, visitors to the candle factory have been able to personally observe how wax from a colorless bar becomes an artistic candle, decorated and painted.

All products hand made and, as mentioned above, the whole process takes place in front of visitors. The craftsmen have a huge range of colors and shapes in their arsenal, allowing for original and unique candles, thanks to which they can be used for a variety of occasions, the main one of which is to decorate and enliven the interior of your home.

Examples of candles produced at the Factory © lafabbricadellecandele.com

Only natural materials are used for production. Each candle is unique. Creative curiosity constantly pushes masters to implement new ideas and constant development.

Tiezzi art ceramics

Handicraft souvenir shops in Siena © Yulia Grigoryeva / Shutterstock.com

The combination of beauty, passion, magnificent handicraft - this is what real craftsmanship, turning into art, means. Tiezzi's artistic ceramics are also a reproduction of the great artistic heritage of Siena. And various objects in which the artist’s theme is the scenes of the famous Palio horse race and the symbols of the city contrades. All products are painted by hand, according to the ancient tradition of Siena ceramicists. Landscapes with views of Siena can decorate the walls of every home. The taste and loyalty to tradition that characterize this workshop will satisfy even the most demanding clients.

Address: Fontebranda street (Via Fontebranda, 77)

There were times when rich merchants came to Venice and were immediately escorted to the Arsenal. The galley was already rocking on the waves and the crew was ready to set sail to the sea to pass through the sea gates and deliver their guests to the places where the masters of Italy performed their miracles.

Famous guests wanted to have colored glass and pamper their beloved women with rare lace.
So the ships were heading to Murano and Burano. The first island has a rare and ancient destiny.

Even after the invasion of the Huns, all the best glassblowers of this era fled here. Secrets here were strictly kept secret and even the stoves were removed to protect them from competition.

This place was famous for its products, and had its privileges. Even the city police could not interfere in the life of the island, and all residents had special rights. But it was strictly forbidden to leave the land, but girls could marry Venetian rich men on the condition that they would also remain in Murano.

Each workshop had its own ancestral secrets, and becoming a student was not easy. The apprentice had to work for more than 15 years to prove his ability to make these masterpieces.

There were rumors in the 15th century that glass could break from a drop of poison. The worst thing was that the masters could be lured away by foreign rulers and then destroyed. This was not so, and many masters passed on their knowledge to the workers.

Ten of the best artisans were in England and created their things for the king. But the Council of Doges did not like such a miracle and the people were recalled to their homeland. Venetian glass is so perfect that only in this corner is it produced best.

The main attraction remains the wonderful museum, where such types of glass objects are collected that it will take your breath away to admire these creations.

There is a school attached to the building, and these days the craftsmen are ready to show that they have not lost the heritage of their ancestors at all. A separate part is devoted to archeology and presents many valuable finds in these places.

When you approach Burano, you will immediately notice these colorful houses, which are simple and so elegant that all the children on this island feel like rulers of a fairyland.

Special instructions are being given to residents of the center. They are all required to constantly update the paint on their buildings. The colors here can be chosen according to the taste of the authorities, to whom the resident sends his request on such an important topic.
People like to tell the story that this idea arose so that drunken husbands could find their way home by colors, and even a stain of paint was placed on the forehead of chronic alcoholics and then carried into their home.

The great Galuppi was born in Burano. This composer and virtuoso performer became famous outside his country and gave concerts in Russia many times, where he played for the Empress.

But this is not the only thing that made the island famous. These places are famous for their finest lace and there is a story about how it was during the 16th century. At that time, many monasteries stood on Venetian soil and the impoverished nobility sent young girls there. They could not marry without a dowry, despite their high level education and a lot of advantages.

How can these young ladies like the monotonous monastic reality? So the beauties decided to create something like salons in places for general visits. This became so fashionable in the 18th century that the reception rooms of all monasteries were crowded with young men, and young nuns decorously received guests with lace cutlery in their hands.

The lion's share of the products brought huge profits to these monasteries, but often such masterpieces of the craftswomen were received by fans. This is how the art of weaving arose, and the fashion for such things rose in price so much that Colbert realized that it would be more profitable for him to personally bring craftswomen and train all French women in such a way. fine art.

Manufactories were opened, and many countries had already mastered the technique of this craft. But the products of Burano are still the best, and no one can surpass the local craftswomen. By visiting these places, you will get a lot of new impressions from such legendary new products of the country.

In order to protect the cultural heritage of the whole world, in 1972 UNESCO adopted a Convention signed by representatives of more than 150 countries. This Convention covers a list of more than 500 objects that constitute the world cultural heritage. Moreover, almost 60% of these objects are located in Italy.

The rich historical past and such attention from UNESCO make tours to Italy especially attractive. Thousands of tourists seek to spend their holidays in Italy. There is probably no corner in this blessed country where the eye of a vacationer would not look.

Holidays in Italy can turn into an exciting adventure. Tourists who choose an Italy tour can enjoy a truly royal vacation. Breathtaking views of ancient and medieval historical, cultural, architectural monuments, unforgettable trips to big and small Italian cities, a trip to the islands, various voyages to the seas and lakes, breathtaking ski descents from snow-capped mountains, an acquaintance with exquisite Italian cuisine, mud therapy and thalassotherapy, a variety of medical and business tours - all this is offered by hospitable Italy.

Briefly about the geography of Italy

Everyone knows the famous Italian “boot” - this is the Apennine Peninsula, on which Italy is located. From north-west to south-east it stretches for 1300 km. The richness of the landscapes, the riot of natural colors and the mild climate are due to the central position of the peninsula in the Mediterranean, between Spain and Greece. And the proximity of these countries makes tours to Italy even more attractive.

The total area of ​​Italy is slightly more than 300 thousand sq. km. For 7,500 km, the state is washed by four seas - Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Ionian and Adriatic. The coast is the most densely populated (it becomes especially crowded during the holiday season, when many people choose tours to Italy). It is rich in ports, resorts and industrial cities. Many guests of the country prefer to relax in these same areas of Italy.

In the north, the Alps stretch in an arc, representing a natural climatic barrier. In some places it reaches a height of 4810 m (Mont Blanc) and accumulates decent hydropower reserves in Italy. Italy is connected with neighboring countries - France, Switzerland and Austria - by numerous passes and tunnels through the Alps. By the way, the Alps are central ski resort Europe, because of which many ski lovers strive to vacation in Italy.

Picturesque lakes lying at the foot of the Alps are surrounded by mountains. Further to the south lies the picturesque and fertile Padana Plain, located in the Po Valley, the largest river in Italy. With its beauty it will punish the hearts of many travelers on a tour of Italy.

In the northwest, the Apennine Mountains, a long chain bordering the Ligurian Gulf, stretch all the way to Sicily across the entire peninsula. Due to its calcareous and clayey composition, karst phenomena are observed in the Apennines - the formation of many caves, grottoes, sinkholes, rivers disappearing underground, etc.

Many caves in the Apennines are famous for their mineral springs and mud, which makes healing tours to Italy especially popular.

Italy has just over 58 million inhabitants. However, due to the significant influx of immigrants, the demographic situation in the country has recently remained tense. Therefore, consulates have very strict requirements even for those who just want to relax in Italy.

Mostly immigrants from Morocco, the Philippines, Albania, China, and other countries immigrate to Italy former Yugoslavia and former republics of the Soviet Union.

Italian government

Italy is a bourgeois parliamentary republic, as determined by the 1946 referendum. The republic is headed by a president, who is elected by Parliament and representatives of regional assemblies for a term of 7 years.

Parliament is the highest legislative body and consists of two chambers, the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, which are elected by the population by popular vote for a period of 5 years.

The Council of Ministers represents the executive branch and is approved by and responsible to the president.

In political and administrative terms, Italy consists of 20 historically established regions, each of which, in turn, is divided into provinces. Provinces are divided into communes, which are governed by mayors. In total, Italy has 103 provinces and more than 8 thousand communes.

Due to its exceptional strategic position at the crossroads of trade routes between West and East, Italy has been subject to military attacks throughout its history. Barbarians tried to capture it countless times. A sea of ​​blood was shed in endless wars on its territory - all for the sake of division and seizure of lands. That is why the Apennine Peninsula, until the 19th century, was covered with numerous principalities, duchies, kingdoms, and city-states. Only in the second half of the 19th century did Italy emerge as a single state. The guides accompanying tours in Italy talk in great detail about numerous coups d'état.

Multi-party system is characteristic feature Italian political system. There are many trade unions here. At the same time, the internal life of the country is full of contradictions: modernity is combined with extreme antiquity, poverty with wealth.

Economy of Italy

In the past, Italy was an agricultural country. However, thanks to the hard work of its citizens and the skillful policies of the authorities, the country managed to turn into an industrial power with a developed infrastructure and main sectors of the economy in a short period of time. And at the moment Italy is one of the seven most developed industrial countries having a market economy.

It is surprising that, without possessing practically any mineral resources, Italy was able to build an industrial sector of the economy focused on the processing of raw materials. At the same time, the cost of labor is higher than the cost of raw materials. And this state of affairs greatly surprises guests of the country who come to Italy to relax.

The Italian economy operates on imported raw materials, and the country produces and exports almost all known types of products - industrial, household, transport, agricultural.

Italy can boast of a highly developed industry: ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, automotive, electric power, manufacturing building materials, light, food, furniture industries, production of glass, earthenware, electrical household goods and many other goods. Some factories can be visited as part of some tours in Italy.

Thanks to its food industry, Italy is famous for its pasta, canned food, olive oil, wine, etc. Income from tourism activities makes up a decent portion of the country's budget. And, despite the fact that obtaining a visa to Italy is quite difficult, tours to this blessed country remain very popular.

As in many other countries with developed market economies, in Italy, in addition to large industrial enterprises, larger specific gravity occupied by small and medium-sized enterprises.

Fashion in Italy

A riot of imagination, flight of thought, unstoppable creativity, exquisite taste - distinguishing feature everything made in Italy, both in fashion and in industrial production.

Every year, grand fashion shows are held in Rome and Florence, attracting thousands of guests from all over the world. But still, the center of fashion remains Milan, which is also one of tourist centers Italy, constantly attracting those who want to relax and have fun.

This is not the first year that the “pret-a-porter” women’s clothing collection has received the prestigious “Occhio d’Oro” award, equivalent to the Parisian “Ditale d’Oro”. The offices and production workshops of legendary Italian stylists are concentrated in Milan - Dolce and Gabbana, Armani, Trussardi, Versace, Ferret, Moschino, Laura Biagiotti, Krizia, etc. Many people make tours to Italy solely for these names.

Brief history of Italy

The history of Italy is rich and varied. And although experienced guides accompany travelers on all tours in Italy and talk in detail about all the monuments, some facts are worth remembering in advance. In ancient times, the peninsula was inhabited by various tribes: the Veneti lived in the north of the Adriatic; the Ligures lived in the north-west of the peninsula; Latin - in the center; Italics - in the central and southern parts of the peninsula. In many places in Italy, during excavations, fragments of Mycenaean (Greek) bronze and ceramics were found. This suggests that between Italy and Greece already in the middle of the 2nd millennium BC. there were close trade ties. It is known that in the period between the VIII and VI centuries. BC. The Greeks established many colonies on the shores of southern Italy and Sicily. It is believed that the 6th and 5th centuries. BC. are the “golden” centuries of the so-called Magna Graecia, and the Greek cities in Italy, Syracuse and Taranto, rivaled even Athens in luxury.

In the south of the Apennine Peninsula and Sicily, along with Greek civilization at the end of the 8th century. BC. The powerful Etruscan civilization attracts attention. Until now, historians have not come to a common opinion about the origin of the Etruscans. For example, Herodotus, historian Ancient Greece, believes that they come from Lydia ( Asia Minor). The Etruscans settled between the Arno and Tiber rivers. Then their influence spread to the south and north - to the territory of the Padan Plain and Campania. The Etruscan civilization flourished in the 6th century. BC. In the 3rd century. BC. the Romans took control of them.

In the middle of the 8th century. BC. The Trojans founded Rome. As the legend tells, in 753 BC. The capital of the future powerful state was founded by Romulus. From the very beginning, the Romans proclaimed the conquest of the entire world as their main goal.

All the activity of the Roman state, which was formed from a small settlement on the Palatine Hill, was subordinated to this goal. When the sixth king reigned in Rome, the state was located on seven hills on the left bank of the Tiber. Each hill still has its own name, and if you happen to visit Italy on vacation or on a business trip, the locals will certainly tell the story of each hill.

In 509 BC. The Romans expelled the seventh king and, for the first time in the world, established a republican form of government. It lasted until the middle of the 1st century BC.

The Roman state rapidly strengthened, developed and expanded due to the victories of Roman swords and well-trained legions. After three Punic Wars With Carthage, Rome became a major Mediterranean state.

As a republic, Rome ceased to exist after the resounding victories of Julius Caesar in Gaul. Caesar's heir, Octavian Augustus, becomes the first emperor of the Roman Empire, which stretched over a vast area from Scotland in the west to Armenia in the east.

In 476 AD. West Side The grandiose Roman Empire ceased to exist, while its eastern part, known as Byzantium, held out until the middle of the 15th century. Many monuments that remained after the fall of the powerful empire are still shown to lovers of antiquities who come to Italy on vacation.

After the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, Italy was rocked by raids by the Huns, Visigoths and Ostrogoths. At the end of the 6th century. part of the territory of Italy (north and part of the central regions) went to the Lombards, and the center and southern regions to Byzantium. King of the Franks Charlemagne towards the end of the 8th century. completely conquered Italy. Norman crusaders in the 11th - 12th centuries. occupy southern Italy and the islands. In the XIII - XIV centuries. they were replaced by the kings of the French dynasty of Anjou. In the 15th century Italy consisted of 5 large states (Kingdom of Naples, Papal States, Duchy of Milan, Venetian and Florentine Republics), large quantity small counties (Savoy) and seigneuries (the power of individual city-states). For tasty Italian lands on the territory of Italy in the 15th - 16th centuries. There are endless wars between France and Spain.

Napoleon Bonaparte at the end of the 18th century. conquers Italy, and the Republic of Venice early XIX V. is part of Austria.

During the national liberation movement led by the Risorgimento in 1861, Italy united into a single whole and became a constitutional monarchy. Victor Emmanuel II of the Savoy dynasty became the first king of Italy.

At the beginning of the 20th century. Italy is turning from a capitalist power into an imperialist one. The fascists led by Mussolini took the helm of power in the country in 1922. During the Latern Agreements in 1929 between the Pope and Mussolini in Rome, the creation of the sovereign state of Vatican City was announced, which became increasingly popular thanks to pilgrimage tours to Italy.

Since 1935, Italy has been involved in wars of conquest: it conquers Ethiopia and Albania, and in 1940 it joins an alliance with Nazi Germany and enters World War II.

During the war, in June 1943, Anglo-American troops entered Italy, and a month later the fascist dictatorship of Mussolini fell.

In 1946, an all-Italian referendum was held, as a result of which the monarchy was abolished and Italy was again declared a republic.

Art in Italy

The art of Italy is incredibly rich in masterpieces that were created in this country from the ancient era to the 18th century. This flourishing can be understood taking into account the unique historical conditions in which the country found itself. Here is the rich heritage of the civilization of the Greeks, Etruscans, Romans, and, on the other hand, the very location of the country, stretching from Sicily to the Alps. This geography contributed to the influence of many external trends.

The era of barbarian invasions seriously affected the art of the country. At the same time, the influence of Byzantium was expressed in the use of simple basilica forms in architecture, endowed with powerful vaults and domes. This, at first glance, simplicity of form was complemented by very rich and varied decoration. interior spaces, marble decorations and magnificent mosaics that covered the walls, domes and apses from the inside. You can verify this when you come to Italy on vacation. Many ancient cathedrals and churches tell their history better than any reference book.

In the XI - XIV centuries. in Italy, as in any other European country, many religious buildings are being built. Inside, these buildings are richly decorated with fresco paintings or mosaics on biblical stories(“Bible for the Poor”). The architecture is dominated by Gothic, which is a modification of some elements of Romanticism. For example, there is the raising of church vaults to the maximum height, increasing the height of pilasters, the use of high stained glass windows, etc.

In Florence in the XV - XVI centuries. a group of architects, artists, philosophers, sculptors and poets in their creations begin to speak loudly about new revolutionary ideas in art that formed the basis of humanism. Taking all the best from ancient art, humanists laid the foundation for new era in art - the era of the Italian Renaissance. That is why most Italian tours include a visit to Florence.

In the 16th century Rome instead of Florence becomes the center of art. It was in Rome that the Italian Renaissance emerged a new style- baroque. Italy becomes the birthplace of the Baroque and Renaissance. On the basis of these styles, mannerism, naturalism, neoclassicism and other movements subsequently emerged. And if you have a desire, you can diversify your vacation by visiting the museums for which Italy is so famous.

There is an opinion that Italy is the birthplace of saints, heroes and poets. But Italy also gave the world legendary musicians and great composers. In Italy, notation and the first violin appeared for the first time; Vivaldi and Verdi were born and conquered their world. Their operas are performed in all theaters around the world. And, of course, while vacationing in Italy you can’t help but visit the famous La Scala opera house, which is located in Milan.

Italian cinema was born at the beginning of the 20th century in Turin. Subsequently, it began to develop rapidly, winning the hearts and minds of millions of viewers around the world. The further victorious march of cinema continued in Rome. It was there that Cinecittà, an experimental center for cinematography, appeared and began to rapidly develop. This unique center gave the world a galaxy of famous directors, including Rossellini, De Santis, Fellini. Over the years, the names and works of other outstanding directors and actors became known.

Folk crafts of Italy

Folk crafts in Italy employ 5 million people working in almost 1.5 million enterprises. The main products include clothing, which is made mainly in Milan and Carpi (Emilia-Romagna). Natural silk and knitwear are produced in the Lake Como area, furniture - in Milan, Brianza, Pesaro, Forli, fabrics - in Prato, art ceramics- in Faenza, Deruta. The production of leather and fur products is concentrated in Florence, musical instruments in the Marche region, and violins and other stringed musical instruments have been made in Cremona for centuries. Arezzo, Valenza, and Po have long been famous for jewelry production, and Sardinia for filigree. It will be nice to combine a holiday in Italy with shopping. And although the prices here are of European quality, the quality of some things is very high.

As a rule, cheese and wine are brought as souvenirs from tours to Italy. And fashionistas will be delighted with fashionable clothes and accessories.

Italian Cuisine

With just this phrase, exquisite dishes of all kinds of colors and shades of taste come to mind. World famous spaghetti, pizza, espresso coffee - Italy has given the world many universally recognized dishes. But there is also purely national Italian cuisine: Mediterranean in the south, while in the north, given the influence of the harsh mountain climate, it is represented by higher-calorie dishes. Each region of Italy, and what’s more, each province has its own national flavor, its own favorite dishes, wines, cheeses, desserts, etc.

A holiday in Italy is a wonderful gift for yourself and your loved ones. This country does not leave even convinced skeptics indifferent. Warm sun, young wine and radiant smiles of local residents will help you forget about boring things.