THE PALACE

THE PALACE

A MASTERPIECE
OF HUMANISTIC SIENA

Palazzo delle Papesse, one of the most impressive in humanistic Siena, is a symbol of the dynastic policy of Enea Silvio Piccolomini, Pope Pius II, who ascended to the papal throne in 1458. As the name testifies, the ancient dwelling was destined to sister Caterina, who, with determination, from 1460, followed the construction of the building in via di Città, whose design was reported to Bernardo Rossellino, the architect of Pienza, but also to Antonio Federighi, Sienese master. The Palace, which also hosted the scientist Galileo Galilei who from here had to observe the moon, is now owned by Opera Laboratori that deals with museum management and cultural design.

THE COURTYARD

The internal courtyard of the Palace, with its wonderful frescoed loggia, in a joyful succession of grotesques, festoons of fruits and flowers, candelabras, allegorical and mythological figures, is the new vibrant meeting point in the heart of Siena, an intimate open-air space surrounded by historic buildings where you can enjoy a great coffee or have a lunch break.

EXHIBITION SPACES

The large staircase that opens into the atrium accompanies visitors to the upper floors for temporary exhibitions. The large rooms, all irregular and different from each other, with wooden floors, marble or grit, with stucco and painted decorations of the vaults performed by the protagonists of the Siena purist school, dialogue with the numerous temporary exhibitions, offering a double tour of the Renaissance palace and the exhibition.
On the second floor, there is also a terrace from where you can admire the medieval architecture of the city.

ROOF TERRACE

A unique and unmissable view of the Siena city welcomes the visitor to the top of the palace.
Ascanio II Piccolomini, in 1633, hosted in the palace the scientist Galileo Galilei, who, from the lodge, made observations of the Moon using the telescope and discovering this satellite was not perfect or spherical as it was believed, but strewn on the surface with mountains and craters.

THE CAVEAU

From the first floor, down two flights of stairs, you can access the vault, the armored room inherited by the Bank of Italy. It is a space characterized by steel walls and metal cabinets, where darkness and silence contribute to create an atmosphere extraordinarily evocative and charming.

OVER TIME

VISIT

NOT TO BE MISSED

CONTACTS

we inform you that on 22th january the last admission is at 6.30 and the palace will close at 7 pm.The drawing class scheduled for January 23rd has been cancelled and rescheduled for February 27th.