4 Best Performing Arts Venues in Chianti, Siena, and Central Tuscany, Tuscany

San Gimignano is one of the few small towns in the area that make a big deal out of carnival festivities, with locals dressing up in colorful costumes and marching through the streets from 3:30 to 6:30 on the four Sundays preceding Shrove Tuesday.

Master classes and workshops held by internationally famous musicians result in top-notch performances in Siena between July and September. Age-old venues such as the Accademia Musicale Chigiana, the Spedale di Santa Maria della Scala, the church of Sant'Agostino, and Piazza Duomo are used for these exceptional concerts. It is best to book well in advance as tickets are usually in high demand. The ChigianArt Cafe is a perfect place for a light lunch or a cocktail.

If you visit in summer, check with the tourist office about concerts and performances related to San Gimignano's music festival, one of Tuscany's oldest. It's held from late June to September each year.

Performances by local and national classical musicians take place during a series of concerts held in churches and courtyards during the Settimane Musicali Senesi festival in July and August.