Welcome to Montisi

Montisi, located some 35 km southeast of Siena, is an ancient village with a history extending back to Etruscan times. The name is a modernization of ‘Monti Isi’, or the Mount of Isis, reflecting the fact that an 8th century B.C. temple of Isis was located a couple of kilometres from the village. The charm and grace of Montisi are evident as soon as you arrive, and its appeal as a place to visit, study and enjoy great music only improves with a closer look.

At the very top of Montisi, Piccola Accademia’s home in the 13th C. Castello di Montisi (currently under restoration), will provide a base for teaching and study. But Piccola Accademia students, performers and audiences also benefit from the total Montisi environment, which in a very small geographic area possesses four beautiful performance locations within two kilometres that can accommodate audiences from 50 to 200+.

Venues just beyond Montisi can support larger concerts. The chapel of Santa Anna in Camprena (5 km from Montisi) is suitable for groups up to 250 and the de-consecrated Cathedral of Asciano (15 km away) can stage larger ensemble performances and accommodate audiences of up to 400 people.

But perhaps the most special aspect of Montisi is its people. The 400 residents of Montisi are proud of their long history and of their village. Montisi village life is vibrant, with regular festivals and communal dinners throughout the year.

The most spectacular event in the annual calendar is the feast day of Montisi’s patron saint, Our Lady of the Snows, which features a medieval jousting tournament. This event reflects the four neighborhoods of the village, called Contrade, each proudly displaying their colours in parades, festival games and communal celebration.

Accommodation and Dining

For those attending master classes at Piccola Accademia, Montisi offers an easy-to-manage student life, with two restaurants, a café and a bar, post office, food stores and an all-important cash machine all within an easy stroll of the Piccola Accademia premises. Student accommodations at modest prices have been pre-arranged either within the village or directly outside it and within an easy walk.

Other visitors and festival guests have a spectrum of accommodation from which to choose, ranging from hotels immediately within the village and in neighbouring Castelmuzio (3 kms away), to ‘agriturismo’ (farm B&B) options, to more luxurious offerings (including Relais et Chateau establishments) all within 8 to 15 kms of Montisi. A list of festival accommodations is provided with further descriptions, contact details and weblinks.

Activities around Montisi

Montisi offers a visitors a variety of activities in addition to enjoying the musical environment of Piccola Accademia. The area has traditionally been a centre for olive oil and wine production, and fattorias in the area are open for tours, sales and the occasional lunch. Those interested in cooking food as well as eating it can arrange lessons in Tuscan cookery. Several artists make their homes near Montisi and welcome visitors to their studios. The Tuscan countryside offers hot spring bathing, horseback riding, excellent walking and hiking opportunities, and can even be enjoyed from a hot air balloon.

For further information on all these activities and bookings please go to: http://montisi.com/code/thingstodo.html

Montisi photos by © Walter Coppenrath Montisi-Los Angeles.