Santa Maria della Scala

Exhibition spaces

Palazzo Squarcialupi
Exhibitions spaces and meetings

This building, which looks onto Piazza del Duomo and stands at right angles to the main Santa Maria della Scala building, was very probably erected in the first half of the 14th century in order to create a hospital for women.
The remodelling of a pre-existing building which probably belonged to the Squarcialupi family is documented by a resolution made in 1336 when the General Communal Council conceded the use of two alleys to Santa Maria della Scala for the extension of its buildings. It is very likely that the resolution refers to the construction of the group of buildings between Via del Capitano and Piazza del Duomo, known variously as the Pellegrinaio delle Donne (women's pilgrim hospice) (whose function is attested from the 14th century), Spedale delle Donne (women's hospital), Convento delle Fanciulle (young women's convent), and recently Corsia Mercacci (Mercacci ward) after a well-known doctor.

The work, which was completed in about 1338, was promoted by rector Giovanni di Tese dei Tolomei. Despite further interventions at repeated intervals in history, the first two floors of the building still display most of their 14th-century features.
The three storeys are now used as follows: a bar, a bookshop, and display areas on the ground floor, conferences, workshops and libraries on the first level, while the top floor is reserved for exhibitions of special importance. This wing of Santa Maria della Scala affords striking views over the cathedral and the Sienese countryside.