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Siena is known for a delectable variety of cakes and cookies with recipes dating to medieval times. Some Sienese sweets are cavallucci (sweet spice biscuits), panforte (a traditional Christmas delicacy, literally "strong bread," with honey, hazelnuts, almonds, and spices), ricciarelli (almond-paste cookies), and castagnaccio (a baked Tuscan flat cake made in fall and winter from a batter of chestnut flour topped with pine nuts and rosemary).
If you've always wanted a 14th- or 15th-century painting to hang on your wall, but the cost of acquiring one is prohibitive, consider purchasing one of the superb copies at this shop made by Chiara or her brother, Michelangelo Casoni. Their work in tempera and gold leaf is of the highest quality.
Siena has been famous for centuries for its fine embroidery work, and Bruna Brizza continues the tradition in her tiny shop. Hand stitching, usually on simple white and cream-color linen, adorns lamp shades, tablecloths, and other housewares.
Stained-glass artists create and sell contemporary secular and religious works here. If you want to learn the technique, they also offer workshops and apprenticeship programs.
