Palazzo Chigi Saracini (Chigi Saracini Palace), Siena
The Chigi Saracini Palace (Palazzo Chigi Saracini), nestled in the heart of Siena, stands as a remarkable testament to the rich historical and cultural evolution of the region. Originally constructed in the mid-12th century, this medieval palace initially belonged to the affluent Marescotti family. Over the centuries, it underwent several ownership changes and renovations that have shaped its architectural and artistic character.
In 1506, the Piccolomini-Mandoli family acquired the palace, transforming its fa莽ade with Renaissance elements that introduced a new artistic epoch to the structure. The palace experienced another significant transformation in 1770 when it was purchased by the Saracini family. This era not only marked further architectural enhancements, aligning the fa莽ade with the street line but also the beginning of its journey as a cultural repository. The Saracini family amassed a diverse and exquisite collection of artworks, including statues, bas-reliefs, paintings, and ceramics, alongside artifacts crafted from ivory, wood, and precious stones. Noteworthy pieces from the Renaissance through the 18th century, featuring works by eminent artists such as Botticelli, Sodoma, and Sassetta, now grace the palace鈥檚 interiors.
In the early 20th century, the palace was inherited by Fabio Chigi Lucarini Saracini, who founded the prestigious Chigiana Music Academy (Accademia Musicale Chigiana) in 1932 within its walls. This academy quickly became one of Italy鈥檚 most esteemed musical institutions, nurturing the talents of celebrated musicians like Carlo Maria Giulini, Salvatore Accardo, and Claudio Abbado.
Today, Chigi Saracini Palace is not only a hub for classical music education but also a cherished historical site. Visitors can explore this magnificent palace through guided tours, offering a glimpse into its grand past and the eclectic art collection of Count Galgano Lucarini Saracini. The Chigi Saracini Palace, therefore, serves as a vibrant center of art and music, bridging the medieval with the modern, and continuing to celebrate and inspire the cultural landscape of Siena.
In 1506, the Piccolomini-Mandoli family acquired the palace, transforming its fa莽ade with Renaissance elements that introduced a new artistic epoch to the structure. The palace experienced another significant transformation in 1770 when it was purchased by the Saracini family. This era not only marked further architectural enhancements, aligning the fa莽ade with the street line but also the beginning of its journey as a cultural repository. The Saracini family amassed a diverse and exquisite collection of artworks, including statues, bas-reliefs, paintings, and ceramics, alongside artifacts crafted from ivory, wood, and precious stones. Noteworthy pieces from the Renaissance through the 18th century, featuring works by eminent artists such as Botticelli, Sodoma, and Sassetta, now grace the palace鈥檚 interiors.
In the early 20th century, the palace was inherited by Fabio Chigi Lucarini Saracini, who founded the prestigious Chigiana Music Academy (Accademia Musicale Chigiana) in 1932 within its walls. This academy quickly became one of Italy鈥檚 most esteemed musical institutions, nurturing the talents of celebrated musicians like Carlo Maria Giulini, Salvatore Accardo, and Claudio Abbado.
Today, Chigi Saracini Palace is not only a hub for classical music education but also a cherished historical site. Visitors can explore this magnificent palace through guided tours, offering a glimpse into its grand past and the eclectic art collection of Count Galgano Lucarini Saracini. The Chigi Saracini Palace, therefore, serves as a vibrant center of art and music, bridging the medieval with the modern, and continuing to celebrate and inspire the cultural landscape of Siena.
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Palazzo Chigi Saracini (Chigi Saracini Palace) on Map
Sight Name: Palazzo Chigi Saracini (Chigi Saracini Palace)
Sight Location: Siena, Italy (See walking tours in Siena)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Siena, Italy (See walking tours in Siena)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Siena, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Siena
Creating your own self-guided walk in Siena is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Siena Old Town Walking Tour
Siena was originally settled by Etruscans of Italy and later settled by Romans, who emulated Etruscan culture and named the city Sena Julia. The Lombard Kings then developed the city. By the 12th century, Siena was self-governing.
Siena established the Council of Nine in 1270. This Council was responsible for a flourishing economy, a focus on art, and a building boom. In 1348, Siena was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Siena established the Council of Nine in 1270. This Council was responsible for a flourishing economy, a focus on art, and a building boom. In 1348, Siena was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Siena's Palaces Walking Tour
A leisurely stroll through downtown Siena 鈥� a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of imperious castles, palaces and other historic buildings 鈥� promises an exciting day of discovery and a pleasant experience for architecture buffs.
While most Italian cities have a church on their main square, Siena's famous Piazza Del Campo gathers around the city hall, known as Palazzo Pubblico... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.7 Km or 0.4 Miles
While most Italian cities have a church on their main square, Siena's famous Piazza Del Campo gathers around the city hall, known as Palazzo Pubblico... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.7 Km or 0.4 Miles
Medieval Siena Walking Tour
Siena is a beautiful medieval city whose Gothic-era identity, acquired between the 12th and 15th centuries, has been successfully preserved due to the centuries of political and economic irrelevance in the shadow of its grander neighbor Florence. Today's Siena is a cultural gold mine and ideal place to revel in medieval Italy.
No tour of Siena is complete without visiting its heart, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
No tour of Siena is complete without visiting its heart, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles