About Siena and Dante Alighieri Institute   

Siena

Surrounded by olive groves and the vineyards of Chianti, Siena is one of the most beautiful cities of Tuscany. Set on three hills, the city is drawn together by winding alleyways and steep steps, whilst the Piazza del Campo stands at its heart, and the Duomo and St Maria della Scala serve as additional cultural landmarks. Famed for the "Palio", the annual historic horse-races that take place on 2 July and 16 August, it is also home to one of the oldest Universities in Europe, which ensures a vibrant Italian student atmosphere throughout the academic year. In addition to the bustling daily life of the streets and squares of the city, Siena offers many cultural events, concerts, cinema, theatre and a wide range of sporting activities.

Few geographical areas in the world can boast of the variety of environment that surrounds Siena. To the north, we have the richness of the Chianti landscape, woven with vines and olive-trees throughout the hills. Here also are beautiful towns like San Gimignano and Monteriggioni with old walls, winding streets and incredible views. South of Siena, the Arbia valley leads to the hill-top town of Montalcino, home to the famous Brunello wine. And the area La Crete stretches out, amazing visitors with its harsh rock formations and unique landscape. Westwards we head towards the coast, to captivitating coastline towns like Castiglione della Pescaia, and nature reserves like the area called Maremma. With such natural beauty within easy reach by car or public transport, Siena is a good place to base yourself for a Tuscan experience. The Chianti area, between Florence and Siena, is one of the most beautiful countrysides in Italy and a famous wine production area.

Dante Alighieri 

The Sienalingue is an International Center of Language, Art, Culinary and Italian Culture in Siena. It was founded in Siena in 1979. Since that time, it have been welcoming students of a wide range of nationalities and all ages to study language, art, culture and cookery in the center of this charming medieval city. 

The School has been officially authorized by the Italian Ministry of Education. Since 1990, it represents the Siena Committee of the non-profit making cultural organization Società Dante Alighieri. Founded in Rome in 1889, the aim is to promote and sustain the knowledge of Italian language and culture throughout the world.

Dante Alighieri offers a diverse range of language and culture programs, tailor-made courses and cookery programs suitable for all ages and for students from all over the world. It offers high quality teaching with innovative teaching methods, excellent facilities, fantastic location in the heart of Siena and a positive and dynamic learning experience for students. 

Dante Alighieri merges their ability to communicate in various languages with the wonderful academic resources of the community, including the University of Siena, to offer students unique learning experiences. Such is the opportunity students at AASU now have – to learn from English-speaking faculty in the heart of the birthplace of culture and the Renaissance.