Enjoy Tuscany: Art, Culture and Tourism in Siena and Sienese
Province.
Siena: Monuments
Nobile Contrada dell'Aquila (Eagle), via Casato di Sotto 49. Open on written request.
MUSEUMS AND COLLECTIONS
Biblioteca Comunale degli Intronati
address:
via della Sapienza 5, tel. 0577.280704.
hours:
Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.;
Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; July./ Aug: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Closed on public holidays
notes:
The library, founded in 1759, keeps more than 400.000 volumes: MSS, incunabola, illuminated books, the letters of St Catherine and drawings by Francesco di Giorgio Martini (1439-1502), Giuliano da Sangallo (1445 c.- 1516), Baldassarre Peruzzi (1481-1536), Domenico Beccafumi (1486-1551).
Botanical Gardens
address:
Via Mattioli 4, tel. 0755.298874.
hours:
Monday-Friday 8:00-12:30 a.m. / 2:30-5:30 p.m., Saturday 8: 00-12: 00 a.m., closed on Sundays and Public Holidays; entrance free; guided tours for students on request
notes:
Founded in 1784 by Biagio Bartalini, the Botanical Gardens keeps uncommon plants and trees.
Casa di Santa Caterina
address:
Costa Sant'Antonio, tel. 0577.44177.
hours:
Summer 9: 00-12:30 a.m. / 2:30-6: 00 p.m.; entrance free.
notes:
The house where Saint Catherine of Siena was born, converted into a sanctuary in 1464, keeps documents and paintings on her life.
Chigi Saracini Collection
address:
Via di Città 89, tel. 0577.46152.
hours:
open on request
notes:
Collection of Sienese 13-17C works of art, sculptures, antiquities, drawings, furniture, founded by Galgano Saracini at the end of 18C.
Libreria Piccolomini
address:
Piazza del Duomo, 0577.283048.
hours:
11/01-03/14: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. / 2:30-5:00 p.m.; 03/15-10/31: 9:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m., closed on 01/01, 12/25.
notes:
The entrance is in the north aisle of the cathedral. Founded in 1495 by Cardinal Francesco Piccolomini (afterwards pope Pius III) to houses the library of his uncle Enea Silvio Piccolomini (pope Pius II): the marble façade is by Marrina (1497) and the perfectly preserved frescoes by Pinturicchio (1502-9). The frescoes represent episodes of the life of Pius II, except the fresco on the entrance showing the coronation of Pius III. In the center of the room is the celebrated group of the Three Graces, a 3C Roman copy of a Greek sculpture, acquired by Cardinal Francesco Piccolomini for the library. The library keeps some wonderful choir books, illuminated by Liberale da Verona, Girolamo da Cremona, Sano di Pietro and others in 1469-75, coming from the cathedral and from the Spedale di Santa Maria della Scala.
Museo Archeologico Nazionale
address:
Piazza Duomo, tel. 0577.224828.
hours:
Winter 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; 03/16-10/31 and 12/23-01/07: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
notes:
Etruscan and Roman antiquities housed in Santa Maria della Scala.
Museo Aurelio Castelli
address:
Via Osservanza 7, tel. 0577.332444.
hours:
open on request
notes:
The museum is close to the Chiesa dell'Osservanza and it houses works of art coming fron the church, destroyed in 1944.
Museo Civico
address:
Piazza del Campo 1, tel. 0577.292224.
hours:
11/01-03/15: 10:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; 03/16-10/31: 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.; July-August: 10:00 a.m.-23:00 p.m..
notes:
The museum is at the upper floor of the Palazzo Pubblico (entrance through the door beside the loggia) and it houses paintings and famous frescoes as Guidoriccio da Fogliano and the Maestà by Simone Martini (1284-1344), in the Sala del Mappamondo; the Allegory of Good and Evil Government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti (1285-1348?), in the Sala della Pace; the Allegory of Civil Vitues by Domenico Beccafumi (1486-1551), in the Sala del Concistoro. The loggia, at the last floor, keeps some original fragments of the Fonte Gaia by Jacopo della Quercia (1374? 1438).
Museo d'Arte Sacra
address:
Seminario Regionale Pio XII, Montearioso , tel. 0577.50009
hours:
open on request
notes:
Paintings, jewellery and liturgical ornaments coming from Sienese churches.
Museo dell'Accademia dei Fisiocritici
address:
Prato S.Agostino 4, tel. 0577.47002.
hours:
9: 00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. / 3:00-6:00 p.m.; closed on Thursday afternoon, Saturdays and Public Holidays; entrance free.
notes:
Zoological, geological and mineralogical collections. The Academy, founded in 1691, keeps the library of the anatomist Paolo Mascagni with more than thousand books.
Museo dell'Archivio di Stato
address:
Via Banchi di Sotto 52, tel. 0577.247145.
hours:
9:30 a.m. / 1:00 p.m.; closed on Sundays and Public Holidays; entrance free
notes:
Besides the illuminated manuscripts, it houses a unique collection of book bindings, called Tavolette di Biccherna, Sienese municipal account-books with painted wood covers by Sienese artists of the 13-17C, as Ambrogio Lorenzetti (1285-1348?), Francesco di Giorgio Martini (1439-1502), Domenico Beccafumi (1486-1551).
Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana
address:
Piazza del Duomo 8, tel. 0577.42309.
hours:
11/01-03/14: 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; 03/15-09/30: 9:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; 10/01-31: 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; closed on 01/01, 12/25.
notes:
The South aisle of the unfinished nave of the Duomo Nuovo houses the museum: from it a stair leads up to the façade of the Duomo Nuovo (wonderful views on the city and countryside). The collections keep works and fragments from the cathedral and the baptistery, from the churches of S. Giovannino and S. Gennaro, and of S. Giovanni Battista della Morte. Among the main works of art: Madonna and Child by Jacopo della Quercia (1374? 1438); Maestà by Duccio di Buoninsegna (1255c.- 1318/ 19); Blessed Agostino Novello by Simone Martini (1284-1344).
Museo della Società di Esecutori di Pie Disposizioni
address:
Via Roma 71, tel. 0577.284300.
hours:
open on request
notes:
Collection of Sienese works of art, donated to the Sienese medieval lay brotherhood.
Museums of the Contrade
address:
see the list
hours:
see the list
notes:
The museums of the seventeen Contrade keep the palii won since 17C. The palio (or drappellone) is a painted banner given as prize to the winning contrada, often painted by famous painters. The palio is a horserace and it takes place in Piazza del Campo on 2nd July and 16th August. Generally the winning contrada opens its museum in the course of the celebrations of the victory.
Nobile Contrada del Bruco (Caterpillar), via del Comune 44, tel. 0577.44842.Open on request
Contrada della Chiocciola (Snail), via S. Marco 37. Open on the last Sunday of the month, 9: 00 - 12: 00 a.m.
Contrada della Civetta (Owl), Piazzetta del Castellare. Open on Sunday 10: 30-12: 30 a.m.
Contrada del Drago (Dragon), Piazza Matteotti 19. Open on written request.
Imperiale Contrada della Giraffa (Giraffe), via delle Vergini 18. Open on written request.
Contrada Sovrana dell'Istrice (Porcupine), via Camollia 87, tel. 0577.48495. Open on request.
Contrada del Leocorno (Unicorn), via di Follonica 15, tel. 0577.288549. Open on request.
Contrada della Lupa (She-wolf), via Vallerozzi 71/73, tel. 0577.286038. Open on request.
Nobile Contrada del Nicchio (Shell), via dei Pispini 68, tel. 0577.220337. Open on request.
Nobile Contrada dell'Oca (Goose), vicolo del Tiratoio 11, tel. 0577.285413. Open on request.
Contrada Capitana dell'Onda (Wave), via Giovanni Dupré 111, tel. 0577.48384. Open on request.
Contrada della Pantera (Panther), via S. Quirico 26. Open on written request.
Contrada della Selva (Forest), piazzetta della Selva 3, tel. 0577.45093. Open on written request.
Contrada della Tartuca (Tortoise), via T. Pendola 21. Closed for repairs.
Contrada della Torre (Tower), via Salicotto 76. Closed for repairs.
Contrada di Valdimontone (Ram), via di Valdimontone 6, tel. 0577.222590. Open on request.
Pinacoteca Nazionale
address:
Via S. Pietro 29, tel. 0577/ 281161.
hours:
Mon. 8:30 a.m./ 1:30 p.m.; Tue.-Sat. 8:15 a.m.-7:15 p.m.; on Sundays and Public Holidays 8:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m.; closed on 01/01, 05/01, 12/25.
notes:
Important collection of Sienese School's paintings from the 13 to the 17C, including Duccio di Buoninsegna, Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti, Sassetta, Sodoma and Beccafumi. Since 1932 it is housed in the 14C Palazzo Bonsignori (restored in the 18C). Since 1977 it houses also the Spannocchi collection, formed with North Europe masters' paintings (for exemple, by Duerer). In April 1997 has been opened the Sala delle Sculture, that keeps Sienese sculptures of the 14-15C, never exposed before. The room is in the loggia of the first floor and it is furnished with chairs and desks consenting to rest admiring the beautiful view on the city, before going on visiting the wonderful Beccafumi's rooms.
Raccolta Bologna - Buonsignori
address:
Via Roma 50, tel. 0577.284300.
hours:
open on request
notes:
Interesting collection of antiquities, 15-20C paintings, 20C drawings, ceramics, furniture, donated by the family of Montepulciano to the Società di Esecutori di Pie Disposizioni.
Raccolta della Sede Storica del Monte dei Paschi di Siena
address:
Piazza Salimbeni 3, tel. 0577.294111.
hours:
open on request
notes:
Founded in 1491, the collection of the bank keeps interesting 14-17C Sienese works of art.
CHURCHES AND MONASTERIES
Baptistery of San Giovanni
address:
Piazza San Giovanni
hours:
11/01-03/14: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m./ 2:30-5:00 p.m.; 03/15-09/30: 9:00 a.m.- 7:30 p.m.; 10/01-31: 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; closed on 01/01, 12/25.
notes:
The Battistero was built in 1316-25, with a Gothic but unfinished façade. The interior is on rectangular plan, with three naves, pillars and vaulted roof. The frescoes are by Vecchietta and his school (repainted in the 19C). In the middle of the Baptistery is the hexagonal font (1417-30), one of the masterpieces of the early Renaissance. The gilded bronze panels illustrate the life of St. John the Baptist, the statues at the angles symbolize the Virtues: Announcement to Zaccaria, by Jacopo della Quercia; Justice, by Giovanni di Turino;Birth of the Baptist, by Turino di Sano; Charity, Preaching of the Baptist and Prudence of Giovanni di Turino; Baptism of Christ, by Lorenzo Ghiberti; Faith, by Donatello; The Capture of the Baptist, by Lorenzo Ghiberti; Hope and Herode's Feast, by Donatello; Fortitude, by Goro di Neroccio. The tabernacle is adorned by four angels by Donatello and Giovanni di Turino, five statues of prophets by Jacopo della Quercia, a Madonna and Child by Giovanni di Turino, and it is crowned by a statue of St. John the Baptist by Jacopo della Quercia.
Cathedral
address:
Piazza del Duomo
hours:
11/01-03/14: 7:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. / 2:30-7:00 p.m.; 03/15-10/31: 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
notes:
Dedicated to the Assumption, the Cathedral was built on a 9C church, according to the tradition. Built in the 13-14C, it is one of the most beautiful Tuscan Gothic churches: the façade in polychrome marbles has a rich statuary. The lower part, with three decoreted portals crowned by Gothic pediments, was designed by Giovanni Pisano (1248-1314?), together with the statues of prophets, philosophers and patriarchs. The upper 14C part reproduces the upper part of the Orvieto's Cathedral and 19C frescoes adorne the three gables.The door at the end of the black and white right side of the Cathedral (Porta del Perdono), bears a Madonna and Child, almost certainly by Donatello (1386-1466). The original 14C statues of prophets, crowning the buttresses, are in the crypt of San Giovanni (rarely open to the pubblic). The bell tower, banded in white and black, rises on an ancient tower: six stories of windows pierce it and a spire with an octagonal pyramid completes it. The interior of the Latin crossed Cathedral has a nave and two aisles. The vaulted roof is painted in blue with golden stars. The white and black dichromatic style reaches a great emphasis in the interior, increased by the wonderful
pavement
with 56 white and black marble designs. The oldest inlay works (about 1370) are simply ''graffiti'', while the others are really inlaid with white, black and coloured marbles. The last inlay works were finished in 1547. Domenico Beccafumi made 35 inlay works in 1517-47, but more then 40 Sienese artists adorned this pavement. Most of the inlay works are covered by protective floor for preservation reasons, therefore the whole pavement is shown only for short periods each year. The nave and the presbytery have a cornice supported by the busts of 172 popes, under which there are the busts of 36 emperors, a sculptural work of the 15-16 C. Near the first two pillars there are two fonts, charmingly carved by Antonio Federighi in 1462-63. The hexagonal cupola is adorned by gilded statues of saints and images of patriarches and prophets, painted in chiaroscuro style at the end of the 14C. In the right transept, the centrally planned Cappella Chigi or of the Madonna del Voto is particularly interesting, built for pope Alexander VII by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1659-62. Bernini made also two statues at the entrance of the chapel: St. Jerome and St. Mary Magdalene. Carlo Maratta (1625-1713) painted the Visitazione, on the left wall, while the Flight into Egypt on the right wall is a mosaic after a Maratta's painting. The 13C Madonna del Voto (school of Guido da Siena) is venerated by Sienese people in time of crisis, therefore it is surrounded by ex-voto, silver-plated objects offered as sign of gratitude and thanksgiving. The marble high altar of the presbytery was made in 1532 by Baldassarre Peruzzi and the huge bronze ciborium is by Vecchietta (1467-72, coming from the church of Spedale di Santa Maria della Scala and put in the cathedral in 1506). At the sides of the high altar the uppermost angels are masterpieces by Francesco di Giorgio Martini (1439-1502). On the pillars of the presbytery there are eight candelabra in form of angels by Domenico Beccafumi (1548-50), who painted also the fresco in the apse, altered in 19C. The stained glass round window in the apse was made in 1288 from cartoons by Duccio and it probably is the oldest still existing stained glass window in Italy. The presbytery keeps also the 14C beautiful wooden choir-stalls (extended in the 16C). In the left transept is the octagonal pulpit, a masterpiece by Nicola Pisano, made in 1265-69, assisted by his son Giovanni, Arnolfo di Cambio, Donato and Lapo di Ricevuto. The octagonal pulpit is supported by nine columns and among them there are fine arches with statues of Prophets and Christians Virtues. The basis of four columns are wonderfully lion-shaped and the base of the central column is surrounded by eight statues of the arts. The seven panels of the parapet are beautifully carved with scenes from the life of Christ and of the Last Judgment, divided by statues of Prophets and of a splendid Madonna and Child. The pulpit, made few years after the famous pulpit in the Baptistery of Pisa, on one hand shows the acceptance of the Gothic style by Nicola Pisano, on the other hand his classical education: the expressive power of every statue shows up its own individuality, while the pressing narrative rhythm brings out the unity of the scenes. In the left transept is the tomb of Cardinal Riccardo Petroni by Tino da Camaino in 1317-18: it is a very frequently copied model throughout the 14C. In front of it is the pavement tomb of Bishop Giovanni Pecci, made by Donatello in 1426. On the other side of the transept there is the Cappella di San Giovanni Battista, an elegant Renaissance chapel with restored frescoes by Pinturicchio (1454-1513) and the bronze statue of St John the Baptist, one of Donatello's later works (1457), which
Certosa di Pontignano
notes: Near Siena,
on the road to Gaiole in Chianti
, there is the Certosa di Pontignano, a monastery founded in 1343 and
closed in 1810. It has three Renaissance cloisters and it is now attached
to the University of Siena. From here there is a wonderful view of Siena.
Chiesa dell'Osservanza
address:
strada dell'Osservanza 7
notes:
About 2,5 Km. From
Porta Ovile
, the Chiesa dell'Osservanza is the most important church outside Siena. Built in 15C on the place of a 12C hermitage, it was hardly bombed in 1944 and rebuilt in 1949, with its ancient bricks. The interior keeps terracotta roundels by Andrea della Robbia (1435-1425), two Madonna by Sano di Pietro (1406-81) at the first altar on the left side and at the third altar on the right side;
at the sacristy altar are the wonderful polychrome terracotta Pietà by James Cozzarelli (1435-1515). Near the sacristy is
Museo Aurelio Castelli
.
Evangelical Church
address:
via Curtatone
notes:
From piazza
San Domenico
walk along via Curtatone, where after a few meters there is the Evangelical Church, which was built in 1882 in neo-classic style. The church opens on Sunday at 11: 00 a.m. and on occasion of concerts and lectures.
Hermitage of Lecceto
notes:
After the
Castle of Belcaro
drive forward to the crossing where the Lecceto and
San Leonardo al Lago
signpost is. Drive along the path in the wood to reach the hermitage of Lecceto. The fortified monastery was built in 14C on the place of an ancient hermitage. The monastery was closed in 1810, but is now inhabitated by Augustinian nuns. Drive back to the crossing for the hermitage and go on in La Locaia direction and after a few meters reach a nice public park.
Oratorio di San Bernardino
address:
piazza San Francesco
hours:
03/15-10/31: every day 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. / 3:00-5:30 p.m.
notes:
To the right of
San Francesco
is Oratorio di San Bernardino, built in 15C on the spot where San Bernardino often preached. The lower chapel is frescoed in 16C by Sienese artists, but much more interesting is the upper chapel with wood ceiling and walls by Ventura Turapilli (1496), which frame the beautiful frescoes by Girolamo del Pacchia, Beccafumi and Sodoma (1518-32). On the altar, Madonna with Child by Sano di Pietro (1406-1481).
San Cristoforo
address:
piazza Tolomei
notes:
It is one of the oldest church in Siena, rebuilt in 18C. The brick façade with four columns and two statues dates from 1800. The interior houses at the first left altar a beautiful Madonna with Child and Saints (c. 1508) by Girolamo del Pacchia;
at the high altar, statuary group of Beato Bernardo Tolomei by Bartolomeo Mazzuoli (1693). To the left of the church, in via del Moro, is the entrance to the cloister built in 17C and restored in 1921, now a contemporary art gallery. Via del Moro leads to piazza Salvani, where the church of
Santa Maria di Provenzano
is.
San Domenico
address:
piazza San Domenico
notes:
From
piazza Salimbeni
walk along Costa dell'Incrociata, which descends to via della Sapienza, where at n. 5 is the
Biblioteca Comunale degli Intronati
. The first street on the left, Costa di Sant'Antonio, descends to the
Santuario Casa di Santa Caterina
. Going on walking in via della Sapienza you reach the church of San Domenico. The austere church is on the top of the hill and from there there is a wonderful view of the
Duomo
and of the
Torre del Mangia
. The church was begun in 1226, enlarged in the 13C and completed in 1465. After a fire, it was restored in 1531 and in the 18C the bell tower was altered. The interior is wide and aisleless. At the altar of the Cappella delle Volte, a chapel on the right, there is a fresco by Andrea Vanni (1332-1414) an artist contemporary of Santa Caterina, which could be considered the only authentic portrait of her. On the right wall of the nave opens the Cappella di Santa Caterina with frescoes by Sodoma (1477-1549), but the right fresco by Francesco Vanni (1593). The tabernacle on the altar of the chapel, by Giovanni di Stefano (1466) encloses a reliquary containing the head of Santa Caterina. The marble pavement and the grotesques of the pilasters are very beutiful. At the end of this wall is a Nativity by Francesco di Giorgio Martini (1439-1502);
in the first chapel of the right transept is Madonna and Child with Saints, a triptych by Matteo di Giovanni (c. 1430-95). Over the high altar is a fine tabernacle and two marble angels by Benedetto da Maiano (1442-97). In the second chapel of the left transept is Santa Barbara enthroned between Angels and Saints, a work od art by Matteo di Giovanni. The huge crypt is usually closed.
San Francesco
address:
piazza San Francesco
notes:
To the left of Santa Maria di Provenzano church is via Provenzano, which continues to via dei Rossi and, turning on the right, to the 14C arch of San Francesco, which is the entrance to piazza San Francesco, where the church is. The Gothic 14-15C church was destroyed in the fire of 1655 and restored only in 1885-92. The façade was built in 1894-1913, but the pretty bell tower dates from 1765. The interior is banded in black and white marbles. The 19C stained glass mullioned windows were restored after the War. The most important works of art kept in this church are, in the first left chapel near the presbytery, Crucifixion (c. 1331), detached fresco by Pietro Lorenzetti, and, in the third left chapel of the transept, San Ludovico d'Angiò before Bonifacio VIII and Martyrdom of Franciscan monks at Ceuta (c. 1331) two frescoes by Ambrogio Lorenzetti. The convent and the cloisters have been restored to houses the University. To the right of San Francesco is
l'Oratorio di San Bernardino
.
San Leonardo al Lago
notes:
On the same road, which reach the
Eremo di Lecceto
there are signposts to San Leonardo al Lago. San Leonardo al Lago, a 12C Augustinian hermitage, is situated on a hill dominating a valley, which once was a lake (in Italian, Lago). Unfortunately the hermitage is closed to the public, but the church has an interesting façade with a rose window over the doorway. Near the church are remains of the monastery, which is today a house.
San Martino
address:
via del Porrione
notes:
Next to the
Logge del Papa
is the church of San Martino, built in 1537. The Roman Mannerism façade is by Giovanni Fontana(1613). On the second right altar, Circumcision by Guido Reni (1575-1642);
on the third right altar, Martyrdom of San Bartholomew by Guercino (1591-1666) and on the third left altar, Nativity by Domenico Beccafumi (1486-1551).
San Niccolò al Carmine
address:
Pian dei Mantellini
notes:
Walk along Via diCittà and via Stalloreggi, crossing the small piazza Postierla (or i Quattro Cantoni) where the most ancient district of Siena begins. On the corner between via Castelvecchio and via Stalloreggi is a Madonna and Child by Sodoma (1477-1549) in a tabernacle, also known as "Madonna of the Crow", because a story tells that in 1348 here fell a dead crow, carrier of plague in town. Reached the Arco delle Due Porte, a gate of the 11C townwalls, turn on the left in Pian dei Mantellini, where the church and the convent of San Niccolò al Carmine is (today a university department). The church dates from 14C and it was rebuilt at the beginning of the 16C by Baldassarre Peruzzi. The interior keeps the 14C style and houses on the second right altar a beautiful "San Michael" by Domenico Beccafumi (1486-1551).
San Pietro alla Magione
address:
via Camollia
notes:
After the visit to
Santa Maria in Portico a Fontegiusta
, go back to via Camollia, turn on the left and go forward untill you reach, after a few meters, San Pietro alla Magione. Templars owned the church (11C). The stone façade has a beautiful Gothic portal;
on the right side of the church is a 16C brick chapel. The interior is very evocative with long and windows. On the walls there are remains of detached frescos from the guest-quarters. The church is surrounded by the Magione buildings, where pilgrims on the Francigena Road stopped.
Sant'Agostino
address:
prato di Sant'Agostino
notes:
You can reach the church crossing Pian dei Mantellini or via San Pietro. From the garden in front of the monument there is a nice view of the town and the countryside. The church dates from 1258 and it was rebuild in 15C and in 18C by Luigi Vanvitelli (1700-73). It is open only from March 15 to October 31 (9:00-12:30 a.m. / 3:00-5:30 p.m.). The church keeps a wonderful "Crucifixion" by Perugino on the second right altar (1450? 1523), a lunette fresco by Ambrogio Lorenzetti (1285-1348?) and "Epiphany" a masterpiece by Sodoma (1477-1549) in the Piccolomini Chapel.
To the left of Sant'Agostino there is the small church of Santa Mustiola alla Rosa and its convent, where the
Museum of the Accademia dei Fisiocritici
, e poco oltre
the Botanical Gardens
.
Santa Maria dei Servi
address:
via Val di Montone
notes:
From the
Logge del Papa
, walk along via Pantaneto and via Roma, where the
Collection Bologna-Buonsignori
is at n. 50 and the
Museo della Società di Esecutori di Pie Disposizioni
is at n. 71. Then turn on the right in via Val di Montone, which ends at the large church of Santa Maria dei Servi with a massive Romanesque bell-tower. A flight of steps leads to the church and from the top of it there is a wonderful view on the
Cathedral
and on
Palazzo Pubblico
. The brick façade has a front door and two rose-windows. The church was built in the 13C and enlarged in 14-15C and it is easy to notice it for the Gothic style of the transept joins the Renaissance style of the aisles. The most important works of art kept in this church are in the right aisle, at the second altar, Madonna and Child (Madonna del Bordone) signed and dated 1261 by Coppo di Marcovaldo, partly repainted by a pupil of Duccio di Buoninsegna;
at the fifth altar, Massacre of the Innocents (1491) by Matteo di Giovanni;
in the presbytery, second right chapel, Massacre of the Innocents, remains of 14C frescoes, probably by Pietro Lorenzetti (c. 1280-1348?) and in the second left chapel, Nativity (1404) by Taddeo di Bartolo and frescoes (scenes from the life of St John the Baptist) attributed to Pietro Lorenzetti, Francesco and Niccolò di Segna;
in the left aisle, at the second altar, Madonna di Belverde by Jacopo di Mino del Pellicciaio and Taddeo di Bartolo (end of the 14C).
Santa Maria di Provenzano
address:
piazza Salvani
notes:
Walk along via del Moro, on the left side of
San Cristoforo
church, untill you reach piazza Salvani, where the church of Santa Maria di Provenzano is. The church was built in 1594 by Flaminio del Turco and it is the only Sienese baroque church. It houses on the high altar a 14C Madonna (terracotta) in honour of which the palio of July 2nd is run. The drappellone (prize banner) is kept untill the day of the race, when it is brought to
Piazza del Campo
and then given to the winning contrada, which with it reaches the church to sing a grateful Te Deum.
Santa Maria in Portico a Fontegiusta
address:
via di Fontegiusta
notes:
From
Piazza Salimbeni
, walk along via Montanini, then on via Camollia until you reach the arch of Fontegiusta on the left, where via di Fontegiusta begins and descends to Santa Maria in Portico. The church was built in 1482-84 on plan by Francesco Fedeli and the beautiful marble portal with frieze (1489) is attributed to Neroccio di Bartolomeo or to Urbano da Cortona. The interior: at the high altar is a 14C fresco, Madonna with Child, in a splendid marble edicola by Marrina (c. 1517). Above the entry there are a whale's bone and some arms, which according to the tradition are a present of Cristoforo Colombo, who would have studied at University of Siena.
Synagogue
address:
vicolo delle Scotte 14
hours:
open only on Sunday; Apr.-Oct.: 10:00 -1:00 p.m./2:00-5:00 p.m.; Nov.-Mar.: 10:00-1:00 p.m/2:00-4:00 p.m.
Apr.-Oct.: 10:00 a..m.-1:00 p.m./2:00-5:00 p.m.; Nov.-Mar.: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m./2:00-4:00 p.m.
November-March: 10:00-1:00 p.m. / 2:00-4:00 p.m.
notes:
From
Piazza del Campo
walk along via di Salicotto and turn on the left in vicolo delle Scotte, where the neo-classical Synagogue was built in 1776 by the Florentine architect G.Del Rosso. The ghetto was in this area, delimited by via di Salicotto, via del Porrione and via San Martino, from 1571 to 1796. The Synagogue of Siena is the most ancient in Tuscany.
The pavement of the Cathedral
address:
Piazza del Duomo
notes:
The splendid 14-16C floor is ornamented with 56 marble designs with symbols, virtues and biblical stories. Only the marble designs in the nave and aisles are usually uncovered: among them the scenes beneath the cupola, by Giovanni Sozzini and Domenico Beccafumi (1521-24), and in the left transept the Massacre of the Innocents by Matteo di Giovanni (1481, restored at the end of the 18C) are the most impressive. The pavement in the ailes is adorned by Sibille and in the nave by: Ermete Trismegisto; the Symbols of Siena and its Allies; the Wheel with the Imperial Eagle; the Fortune (1504-6 on a drawing by Pinturicchio) and the Wheel of the Fortune and Power.
MONUMENTS
Castle of Belcaro
notes:
Leaving Siena from Porta San Marco, follow the Roccastrada-Grosseto signpost untill you find the road for the Castle of Belcaro on the right. The castle is surrounded by a park open to the public: the monument dates from 12C and it was enlarged by Baldassarre Peruzzi (1481-1536). The castle is generally closed to the public.
Fonte Branda
address:
via di Fonte Branda
notes:
To reach it, walk along the steep via di Fonte Branda, or walk along via della Galluzza, a picturesque medieval street with eight arches (one of them with a three-light window), and turn on the left in vicolo del Costaccino, which crosses via di Fonte Branda. Fonte Branda is the oldest and the most beautiful font in Siena: it was mentioned as early as 1081, enlarged in 12C and rebuilt in 1246-48 by Giovanni di Stefano. On the right of the monument there is via del Tiratoio, a medieval street leading to the
Santuario Casa di Santa Caterina
.
Fortezza Medicea
address:
La Lizza
notes:
From
San Domenico
, Viale dei Mille leads to the austere Fortezza Medicea or Forte di Santa Barbara, built in 1560 for Cosimo I de Medici on plans of Baldassarre Lanci. Since 1937 on the bastions are gardens and avenue: wonderful views over the city and the hills. In the vaults of the Fortezza Medicea is the Enoteca Italiana, where you can taste Italian and Sienese wines.
Logge del Papa
address:
via Banchi di Sotto
notes:
Next to
Palazzo Piccolomini
is the loggias built in 1462 on plans of Antonio Federighi for Pope Pius II. The façade has elegant Corynthian columns.
Palazzo Chigi-Saracini
address:
Via di Città 89
notes:
Wonderful example of Italian Gothic fortified palace, it was built with stones and bricks in the 12-14C and partially rebuilt in 18C, then restored in 1914-22. The splendid façade follows the curve of the street and it shows two levels of beautiful three-light windows. On the left side of the palace there is a cut-off stone tower. The palace houses the Accademia Musicale Chigiana, founded in 1932 by count Guido Chigi-Saracini, which in summertime holds international courses for musician. The palace also houses the
Chigi-Saracini Collection
.
Palazzo Piccolomini
address:
via Banchi di Sotto 52
notes:
From Piazza del Campo walk along via Rinaldini: at the end of this street, on the right corner there is Palazzo Piccolomini, begun by Pierpaolo Porrina in 1469 probably on plans of Bernardo Rossellino. The Florentine Renaissance style of the palace is reminiscent of Palazzo Rucellai by Leon Battista Alberto (1406-1472) and of Palazzo Piccolomini Palace in Pienza by Bernardo Rossellino (1409-1464). The handsome marble façade has two coats of arms of the Piccolomini family. In the courtyard the are beautiful suspended capitals by Marrina (1509). The palace houses the
museum of the Archivio di Stato
.
Palazzo Piccolomini or delle Papesse
address:
Via di Città 126
notes:
Beyond the
Palazzo Chigi-Saracini
, the Palazzo delle Papesse is an interesting example of Italian Renaissance architecture, with its rusticaded façade. The palace was built in 1460-95 on plans of Bernardo Rossellino for Caterina Piccolomini, sister of Pope Pio II. Nowadays it house a Contemporary Art Museum (open every day from 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.).
Palazzo Pubblico
address:
Piazza del Campo
notes:
One of the most beautiful Gothic palaces in Tuscany, it was built in 1297-1310. The lower part of the palace is built of stone and the upper one of brick; the top storey of the wings was added at the end of the 17C. The façade is crowned with battlements and adorned with a big monogram of Christ, San Bernardino's symbol. On the left side of the palace is the Cappella di Piazza, built 1352-76 to commemorate the deliverance of the city from the terrible plague in 1348. The chapel is an open loggia with statues (most of them are by Mariano d'Agnolo, 1377-78) and it was heigthtened in 1463-68 by Antonio Federighi. The Chapel is dominated by the Torre del Mangia, built by Minuccio and Francesco di Rinaldo (1338-48) in brick and crowned by a beautiful stone belfry, probably designed by Lippo Memmi in 1341. The entrance of the tower is on the left of the Cortile del Podestà: the wonderful view from the top of the tower largely counterbalances the effort of climbing the 336 stairs. On the right of the Cortile del Podestà is the entrance of the
Museo Civico
.
Palazzo Tolomei
address:
piazza Tolomei
notes:
From
Piazza del Campo
, walk along vicolo di San Pietro, which leads to Croce del Travaglio, where via Banchi di Sopra begins and after a few meters crosses piazza Tolomei. In front of the church of
San Cristoforo
and the column with the Sienese she-wolf (symbol of the city) is Palazzo Tolomei, the oldest palace in Siena, begun in 1205 and restored around 1267, now owned by a bank. The Gothic façade has beautiful mullioned windows.
Piazza Salimbeni
notes:
Via Banchi di Sopra connects
Piazza del Campo
with piazza Salimbeni and it is the street where Sienese people like walking and chatting with friends. In 1879-80 Giuseppe Partini enlarged and restored the three palaces facing the square for Monte dei Paschi di Siena, an ancient bank founded in 1624, incorporating Monte Pio (founded in 1472) guaranteed by the annual Sienese pasturages (paschi) revenues. On the left is Palazzo Tantucci (1548), on the right, the Renaissance Palazzo Spannocchi by Giuliano da Maiano (1470) with the original façade in via Banchi di Sopra, imitated by Partini in piazza Salimbeni, built for Ambrogio Spannocchi, treasurer of Pius II. In the centre is the 13C Palazzo Salimbeni, heavely restored in 19C, whose original façade is in piazza dell'Abbadia. The palaces are the seat of the bank and house the
Raccolta della Sede Storica del Monte dei Paschi
.
Piazza del Campo
notes:
At the end of Banchi di Sopra street, there is a crossing called Croce del Travaglio, ancient crossing on the Francigena Road, where the Loggia della Mercanzia faces the street. The construction of the Loggia, planned by Sano di Pietro, began in 1417 and achieved in 1444 by Pietro del Minella. The first floor was added in the 17C. Statues of saints adorn the pillars of the arcades. The statues are by Vecchietta (1456-63) and by Antonio Federighi, who is also the author of the right stone bench under the arcade. At each side of the Loggia there are narrow streets, going down to the famous Piazza del Campo: the original shell-shape of the square, descending toward the
Palazzo Pubblico
and enclosed by ancient brick-red buildings, is wonderfully scenographic. Since 1347 the middle of the square is brick paved and divided into nine sectors by white stones, in memory of the Government of the Nine, promoter of the square and Palazzo Pubblico's construction . In front of the Palazzo Pubblico there is Fonte Gaia, a 19C copy of the masterpiece by Jacopo della Quercia (1374?-1438). Some fragments of the original fountain are kept in the
Museo Civico
. The Palazzo Sansedoni, with three storeys of Gothic three lights windows and a rhomb shaped tower, was reconstructed in 18C, but still keeps its 14C structure.
Piazza del Duomo
notes:
Go straight to the end of Via di Città, where is the small Piazza Postierla (or the Quattro Cantoni), then turn on the left to reach the
Pinacoteca Nazionale
, or turn on the right (Via del Capitano) to reach Piazza del Duomo. Exactly at the end of Via del Capitano, you can enjoy the most beautiful view on the square: the long brick façade of the
Spedale di Santa Maria della Scala
, the Palazzo Arcivescovile (built in Gothic style in 1718-23), the wonderful black and white banded
Cathedral
and the impressive marble arcades of the Duomo Nuovo, which give an idea of the projected building, planned to challenge the Cathedral of Florence. The construction of the Duomo Nuovo was started in 1339 by Lando di Pietro and stopped in 1355 because of building calculation problems, and of the economic difficulties consequently the plague in 1348.
Spedale di Santa Maria della Scala
address:
Piazza del Duomo
hours:
from 03/16 to 10/31 and from 12/23 to 01/07: 10:00 a.m.-18:00 p.m.; from 11/01 to 03/15: 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m..
notes:
Traditionally founded by blessed Sorore in the 9C, the oldest survived documents date the hospital from the 11C. The building partially keeps the 14C structure, characterized by the long façade with big windows and mullioned windows. The interior keeps 14-15C frescoed rooms and among them the Pilgrim's Hall or Pellegrinaio is particularly interesting, with its frescoes by Domenico di Bartolo (1440-43), illustrating the history of the hospital. The church of Santa Maria della Scala or Ss.Annunziata, built in 13C, was rebuilt in 1466. The church houses on the main altar a bronze statue of the "Risen Christ" by Vecchietta (1476), inspired by the style of Donatello. Recently the hospital moved in a new building, therefore many rooms will be opened to the public after repairs.
Springs
notes:
Siena has a lot of springs and still keeps public fonts, used by inhabitants untill the 50's. Most of the fonts date from 14C, when, during the Governo dei Nove (1285-1355), the town is very rich and powerful. The fonts are brick vault buildings and the water is channelled in large and rectangular fountains. The best preserved are
Fonte Branda
(the oldest one), Fonte Nuova d'Ovile and Fonte d'Ovile, near the gate
Porta d'Ovile
.
Walls and gates
notes:
The walls of Siena date from MIddle Ages and still keep eight gates. The double fortified gate (antiporta or antimurale) is very interesting and you can see it at Porta Romana (at the end of via Roma), Porta Pispini (at the end of via Pispini) and Porta Ovile (at the end of via Vallerozzi). These are 14C crenellated gates in Gothic style.