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MUSEUMS
IN SIENA
Palazzo Pubblico (Public
Building):
with its jointed dimensions following the curves of the square,
is one of the two urban fulcrums – the other is the
Cathedral – of Siena. The decision of its construction
came about approximately halfway through the 13th Century
and continued in alternating periods until 1327 (in effect,
some parts were added around the 17th Century, yet they blend
in perfectly with the original parts). Practically all the
areas of the Palazzo Pubblico can be visited: from the underground
areas which frequently host temporary exhibitions, to the
main rooms of the ‘noble’ floor, rich in admirable
frescoes and to the walkways of the upper floor ending at
the summit of the civic tower, better known as the Mangia
Tower. The Civic Museum is also housed in its interior, with
access from the Square: after crossing the Cortile del Podestà
(Courtyard) visitors can reach the first floor and carry out
the visit in chronological order beginning at the room containing
frescoes dating back to the 15th Century (Simone Martini,
Ambrogio Lorenzetti, Duccio da Buoninsegna) and later leading
on to the room dedicated to the Italian Renaissance.
Palazzo Chigi-Saracini:
imposing with its grandiose 14th Century dimensions, fruit
of a succession of additions, can be located along the Via
di Cittò, the road that from the centre leads towards
the Cathedral. It’s the main seat of the prestigious
Accademia Musicale Chigiana (Music Academy). In its interior,
it hosts the Gallery, rich in precious works of art from the
medieval to the Renaissance period.
Museo dell’Opera Metropolitana (Museum of Metropolitan
Works):
is located in the first three spans of the right nave of the
New Cathedral (that is, what’s left of the medieval
attempt to enlarge the unlikely already powerful dimensions
of the original Cathedral, which would have then simply become
the transept of a gigantic church). The Museum mainly preserves
works or art and objects removed from the Cathedral for conservation
reasons. There are sculptural masterpieces by Giovanni Pisano
(the originals of the statues projected for the facade) as
well as pictorial by Duccio da Buoninsegna (with absolute
masterpieces by the great Masters: the main altar-piece of
the Cathedral), not to mention works by Pietro Lorenzetti
and other authors from Siena.
‘Spedale di Santa Maria della Scala:
this immense architectonic complex is in front of the Cathedral;
its name derives from a medieval description which defined
it as being “in front of the Cathedral’s stairway.”
It provokes great interest due to its architectonic complexity
(historical milieu from the 13th Century which intertwines
with others from the 15th Century) as well as for the quality
of some of its decorative frescoes and prospectives which
adorn some of its rooms. The structure is also notable for
its recent restoration, allowing its transformation into an
exhibition centre: an exceptional restoration which wonderfully
inserted and blended modern structures within the already
existing architectonic complex. In addition to the frescoed
rooms, there are those fitted out for exhibitions. The complex
also hosts the town’s Archaeological Museum which contains
important finds from the Etruscan era.
Pinacoteca Nazionale (National Art Gallery):
is situated in via San Pietro and occupying the space of two
buildings, Palazzo Buonsignori and Palazzo Brigidi (also known
as “dei Pannocchieschi”). It’s a fundamental
stop to enable visitors to discover Siena art dating from
the end of the 12th Century to the first half of the 17th
Century. It is chronologically set out and the paintings are
distributed by School and Pictorial trends. All the main artists
are represented: Duccio, Simone Martini, the Lorenzetti’s,
Andrea di Bartolo, Sassetta, until the 16th Century and also
Domenico Beccafumi.
Palazzo Piccolomini:
is situated in via Banchi di Sotto, in the medieval heart
of the City. The building is however Renaissance in style;
its construction being from the beginning of 1469. Its interior
today houses the State Archives, as well as the Raccolta delle
Tavolette di Biccherna (Collection of Tablets by Biccherna):
that is the covers of ancient books from the financial administration
of the City. Every six months, the magistracy at the end of
its administration period, had paintings carried out on the
wooden covers of the books of the time, coats of arms of the
components of the magistracy itself and a sacred or symbolical
scene connected to the most important historical occurrence
for that particular period. This tradition spread and was
carried out between 1258 and 1682, and the tablets are all
dated. Amongst the artists of these works, there are also
the main representatives of the Siena works of art.
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