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Museums in SienaAre there many museums in Siena? There is only one museum in Siena - the city itself! The moment you get off the bus, or walk into one of its many portals, the impression one gets is like being ushered into a different era. With its medieval castles, centuries old alleys and streets, its crenellated mansions, and brick streets, and almost traffic-free streets, Siena is indeed a world from the past. Museums in Siena and their treasures are located in the many palaces (rooms in smaller museums) that dot its sloping streets. Among the most notable ones are: The Palazzo Pubblico - the center of Siena's civic life. For a list of important attractions, visit our Palazzo Pubblico page. Ospedale di Santa Maria della Scala The Ospedale di Santa Maria della Scala used to be a hospital. It was established by Sorore, a pious cobbler. This hospital (now a museum) started as an infirmary and hostel for pilgrims on their way to Rome. Later, because of a vision by Sorore's mother of children ascending a ladder (la scala) into heaven, a foundling hospital was added. The hospital prospered and became the biggest hospital in Europe during its time, because of its advanced practices, good reputation, and the generous donations from wealthy Sienese, many of whom bequeathed their wealth to the hospital. A plan was implemented some years ago to make this former hospital the biggest, not only among the museums in Siena, but in the world - thus becoming a never-ending work-in-progress. For more information, you may want to visit their website. Museum Attractions For the price of an admission ticket, one can admire the following frescoes: Just after the ticket booth, is the Meeting at Porta Andrea by Domenico Beccafumi, and the main hall is the big frescoes at the Sala dei Pellegrinaio. All the scenes are devoted to the history of the hospital and its everyday activities, including the vision of Sorore's mother. The Education and Marriage of a Daughter of the Hospital by Domenico di Bartolo, and in astonishing detail are frescoes of other Sienese artists that portray the caring of the sick, the distribution of alms to the poor, and the paying of the nurses who took care of the children. There are also precious collections of golden reliquaries and church paraphernalis dating back to medieval Constantinople. More frescoes by Vecchietta, though a little faded now, are at the Capella del Sacro Chiodo. Visit also the elaborate Capella SS Annunziata for the bronze Risen Christ by Vecchietta, and the Capella di Santa Caterina with the altarpiece by Taddeo di Bartolo (Madonna and Child with Saints, Angels, and Musicians - c. 1400). Many relics are displayed also in the hospital's many long hallways. Downstairs are rooms holding the restoration plastercasts of Jacopo della Quercia's Fonte Gaia. The Pinacoteca Among the museums in Siena, this holds the most works of art. To get here, walk southward from the Duomo through Via del Capitano and on to Via San Pietro, you will encounter a crenellated beautiful palace with elegant trifore windows - the Palazzo Buonsignori, recently restored and now home of the Pinacoteca Nazionale. This is the Siena's temple of art. The huge collection include works of the following artists:
Sienese civic pride is evident in many of these paintings, as their very familiar skyline is incorporated in many of the works, even paintings of nativity scenes. The Pinacoteca also houses the interesting Spannochi Collection, and the Sala delle Sculture featuring sculptures by Sienese masters of the 14th and 15th century.
Enjoy your day tour.
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