The history of the city of Siena through its monuments

Among the buildings of Siena

Siena is a city rich in history, which is also reflected in the various monuments, especially palaces and churches, that adorn the Tuscan city.

The city is divided into seventeen districts within the walls , and each of these is rich in buildings that recall Siena's long history.

Many of these buildings were built at the behest of wealthy families who lived in Siena and today some of them are home to museums or institutional offices, but they are all open to visitors.

Nine Siena monuments not to be missed

Among the various monuments that can be visited in the city of Siena , these nine retrace the history of influential families who lived in the city, stories linked to religion and saints such as Saint Catherine of Siena and stories of pilgrimage.

• Medici Fortress

The Medici Fortress was built in 1561 by order of Cosimo I de' Medici in the heart of Siena, on the site of an old Spanish fortress. The purpose of this sumptuous structure was to prevent the citizens of Siena from rebelling against Florentine control of the city.

This fortress, which stands in the highest part of the city, is surrounded by gardens, including the Lizza Gardens. Today, the Medici Fortress is a public park offering views of Siena and the surrounding hills.

• Piccolomini Palace

Palazzo Piccolomini was built in the 15th century, commissioned by Pope Pius II. The building displays typical Renaissance architecture, spanning three floors, reminiscent of Florentine palaces of that period.

Some rooms of Palazzo Piccolomini are decorated with neo-Renaissance frescoes dating back to the period when the palace was the seat of the Bank of Italy.

• Salimbeni Palace

Palazzo Salimbeni is located in the square of the same name and is a three-story neo-Gothic building. In the square where Palazzo Salimbeni stands, there is a statue of Sallustio Bandini , an economist, a reminder that the building is the headquarters of the former Banca de Monti dei Paschi di Siena.

Inside Palazzo Salimbeni there is also a collection of works of art created by Sienese artists with ties to the city of Siena.

• Buonsignori Palace

Palazzo Buonsignori is home to the Pinacoteca Nazionale, which houses various works of art by Sienese and Tuscan artists. The palace was built in 1440 in a late Gothic style. Among the artists exhibited in the Pinacoteca Nazionale are Simone Martini, Matteo di Giovanni, Sano di Pietro, and Ambrogio Lorenzetti.

• Basilica of San Domenico

The construction of this church began in 1226 by the Dominicans.

Saint Catherine of Siena spent much of her life within the walls of this Basilica, in fact the Catherine codices are preserved in the Basilica along with various relics.

The Basilica of San Domenico was damaged during the 1798 earthquake and was restored, only to be abandoned for a long period.

It was restored in 1940 and completed in 1962. Today the Basilica of San Domenico is an important centre for pilgrims.

• Hospital of Santa Maria della Scala

The Hospital of Santa Maria Della Scala is located in front of the Siena Cathedral and was one of the first hospitals that not only cared for the sick, but also served as a refuge for pilgrims and the poor.

The Hospital of Santa Maria Della Scala is now a museum where a series of frescoes trace the history of the building, as well as housing various works by Sienese artists.

• Tolomei Palace

Palazzo Tolomei was first built for the wealthy banking family in 1209. It was destroyed almost sixty years later during a dispute with the Ghibellines, as the Tolomei family was on the Guelph side.

The palace was rebuilt in 1270, after the Tolomei family returned to Siena. Today, Palazzo Tolomei is one of the most noble and elegant buildings in the Tuscan city.

• Basilica of San Francesco

The Basilica of San Francesco is located in the square of the same name and is among the three most important churches in Siena. The basilica was built in the 13th century in the Romantic style and was later expanded.

Inside the Basilica of San Francesco is preserved the pyx with the Holy Pentecosts, about which there is the story of a miracle.

• Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi

The Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi is located on the Valdimontone hill. Inside the Basilica are works of both artistic and spiritual value, primarily dedicated to Mary.

Among these works one can admire: The Madonna del Bordone by Coppo di Marcovaldo , The Coronation of the Virgin by Bernardo Fungai and The Madonna of Mercy by Giovanni di Paolo .

After visiting these nine beautiful monuments, we can say we understand better the glorious history of a city like Siena.

Having the opportunity to visit these buildings and learn about their history allows you to explore the city of Siena in a different and more complete way.

To better savour the history of Siena, accompany your reading of the Siena tips with one of our coffees , perhaps also munching on one of our fine shortcrust biscuits .