While our friends Walter and Suzanne are the reason for us to visit Montisi, we have come to appreciate our new friend Ann Alexander and the local knowledge and insights (as well as fluency in the Italian language) that she has generously shared.
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| Ann Alexander and Bella |
http://montisi-montalcino.com/
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| Suzanne and Walt |
Montisi is divided into 4 districts or contrade (Castello, Piazza, San Martino, and Torre). Suzanne and Walter live in the Piazza contrada (the "best" contrada, or so we are told).
Each year the four contrade of Montisi participate in a competition (see previous post describing the Palio in Siena). This competition, the Giostra di Simone (Jousting Match of Simone), harkens back to a 13th century character named Simone Cacciaconti who was, at one time, lord of the county. For some reason he was chased away, finding refuge in Siena. The story continues, and how a jousting competition plays into the plot is not entirely clear. However, the annual Giostra di Simone is preceded by a colorful procession for which the 70 or so parading residents don medieval costumes.
Note: The 2017 winner of the Giostra di Simone was the ... Piazza Contrada. (It was their 20th win.)
This makes our visit with Walter and Suzanne a few years ago seem like only yesterday. Such wonderful memories and they are the consummate hosts - so generous with their treasured home and friends. Incredible blog, Ann!
ReplyDeleteThe above comment was from Bill and Crystal - don't quite have the hang of this technology yet!
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