Thanks to the University of Siena, the 2006 Crystallographic Teaching School will be held at the Certosa di Pontignano; roughly 8 miles from the town center of Siena and surrounded by vineyards. The history of the Certosa di Pontignano first starts in the 1300's as a monastery. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it was sacked and burned on multiple occassions. It's monks were suppressed under Napoleon, and the property purchased and sold by a variety of families. In 1959 (fortunately for this school), the complex was purchased by the University of Siena, who then turned it into a university residence.

The Certosa di Pontignano is not a hotel, but a university guest house with 44 rooms, each with its bathroom: 20 single rooms, 18 double rooms, 4 double beds and 1 double + 1 French bed with a shared bathroom. This makes it especially suitable for hosting conventions and conferences with about 60 to 70 participants. Internet is available from a small computer room within the Certosa.

The Teaching School expects not only to have a good program of lectures, but a wonderful setting for lunch and sunny late afternoon crystallographic discussions over wine, dinner into evening twilight and beyond.