Level IV
Floor 1 from the Piazza Duomo entrance
Attractions
The treasure of Santa Maria della Scala
In 1359, the Santa Maria della Scala hospital, supported by the Municipality of Siena, acquired a valuable collection of relics from Byzantium, including the Holy Nail, an object of great veneration.
In 1359, the Santa Maria della Scala hospital, supported by the Municipality of Siena, acquired a valuable collection of relics from Byzantium, including the Holy Nail, an object of great veneration.
Children's art museum
The Children's Art Museum was established in Siena in 1998 and quickly gained recognition in the city for its rich cultural program of artistic events and related educational activities aimed at young audiences.
In 2007, it relocated to Santa Maria della Scala, gaining a new venue, a space dedicated to its collection, and taking on the role of Educational Services within the museum complex.
The Children's Art Museum was established in Siena in 1998 and quickly gained recognition in the city for its rich cultural program of artistic events and related educational activities aimed at young audiences.
In 2007, it relocated to Santa Maria della Scala, gaining a new venue, a space dedicated to its collection, and taking on the role of Educational Services within the museum complex.
Piccolomini Spannocchi Collection
Officially established in 1774 following the marriage between Caterina Piccolomini di Modanella and Giuseppe Spannocchi, the collection is the result of three distinct nuclei and boasts a much older origin, whose history is intertwined with the great historical and political events that shook the whole of Europe during the seventeenth century.
Officially established in 1774 following the marriage between Caterina Piccolomini di Modanella and Giuseppe Spannocchi, the collection is the result of three distinct nuclei and boasts a much older origin, whose history is intertwined with the great historical and political events that shook the whole of Europe during the seventeenth century.
The tactile path
The museum hosts a tactile journey of works created with the collaboration of the sculpture students of the Duccio di Buoninsegna art school and black and relief images of some of the main city monuments designed with the Siena section of the UICI and produced thanks to the collaboration of Rotary Siena Est.
The museum hosts a tactile journey of works created with the collaboration of the sculpture students of the Duccio di Buoninsegna art school and black and relief images of some of the main city monuments designed with the Siena section of the UICI and produced thanks to the collaboration of Rotary Siena Est.
The Pellegrinaio
In 1328, the hospital expanded its structure with the construction of a men's pilgrim lodge, achieved through the acquisition and demolition of surrounding houses to overcome a height difference of three floors. This pilgrim lodge marked the beginning of the development of the area designated for male assistance, extending the hospital towards the little square of Selva.
In 1328, the hospital expanded its structure with the construction of a men's pilgrim lodge, achieved through the acquisition and demolition of surrounding houses to overcome a height difference of three floors. This pilgrim lodge marked the beginning of the development of the area designated for male assistance, extending the hospital towards the little square of Selva.
Locations
Church of the Santissima Annunziata
The church of the Santissima Annunziata, oriented longitudinally with respect to the square, today occupies much of the facade of the hospital. Numerous interventions and transformations have characterized its history, as well as the furnishings and works commissioned for it, some of which are still preserved within its structure, but also those of which traces remain in the rich hospital documentation or in the iconographic tradition.
The church of the Santissima Annunziata, oriented longitudinally with respect to the square, today occupies much of the facade of the hospital. Numerous interventions and transformations have characterized its history, as well as the furnishings and works commissioned for it, some of which are still preserved within its structure, but also those of which traces remain in the rich hospital documentation or in the iconographic tradition.
Sant'Ansano hall
The Sant’Ansano hall, together with the adjacent San Galgano hall, originally constituted a single large space that served the function of a male pilgrims' dormitory.
The Sant’Ansano hall, together with the adjacent San Galgano hall, originally constituted a single large space that served the function of a male pilgrims' dormitory.
Chapel of the Mantle
The Chapel of the Mantle of Santa Maria della Scala has been one of the most modified spaces throughout its long history.
The Chapel of the Mantle of Santa Maria della Scala has been one of the most modified spaces throughout its long history.
San Pio hall
Since the fourteenth century, the San Pio hall was part of another 'pilgrimage' of the hospital which later became a nursing home.
Since the fourteenth century, the San Pio hall was part of another 'pilgrimage' of the hospital which later became a nursing home.
The Old Sacristy
In the 1340s, during a period of extraordinary historical significance for Siena and its main hospital, in an atmosphere of great cultural, religious, and political ferment, the assisting and religious spaces of Santa Maria della Scala were extensively renovated and enriched with decorative elements, paintings, furnishings, and chapels, to the extent that the hospital became one of the most important centers of artistic production of the early Sienese Renaissance.
In the 1340s, during a period of extraordinary historical significance for Siena and its main hospital, in an atmosphere of great cultural, religious, and political ferment, the assisting and religious spaces of Santa Maria della Scala were extensively renovated and enriched with decorative elements, paintings, furnishings, and chapels, to the extent that the hospital became one of the most important centers of artistic production of the early Sienese Renaissance.
The Passeggio
On August 17, 1379, a resolution from the hospital indicated the existence of a pilgrim shelter and ordered its doubling in an identical room.
On August 17, 1379, a resolution from the hospital indicated the existence of a pilgrim shelter and ordered its doubling in an identical room.
San Leopoldo hall
The San Leopoldo hall has hosted the Children's Art Museum Collection since 2008. Inside there are international works dedicated to the world of childhood.
The San Leopoldo hall has hosted the Children's Art Museum Collection since 2008. Inside there are international works dedicated to the world of childhood.
The Pellegrinaio
In 1328, the hospital expanded its structure with the construction of a male pilgrim's hostel, achieved through the acquisition and demolition of surrounding houses to overcome a height difference of three stories.
In 1328, the hospital expanded its structure with the construction of a male pilgrim's hostel, achieved through the acquisition and demolition of surrounding houses to overcome a height difference of three stories.
San Galgano hall
The San Galgano and Sant’Ansano halls formed a single male pilgrims' ward, later modified and expanded between the 13th and 19th centuries with various uses and transformations.
The San Galgano and Sant’Ansano halls formed a single male pilgrims' ward, later modified and expanded between the 13th and 19th centuries with various uses and transformations.
Ancient entrance
The monumental entrance to the museum complex was designed by Augusto Corbi in 1895; this space was originally an integral part of the Church of the Santissima Annunziata.
The monumental entrance to the museum complex was designed by Augusto Corbi in 1895; this space was originally an integral part of the Church of the Santissima Annunziata.
Events & Exhibitions
Exhibitions, talks, guided tours and special events in Siena.
Exhibitions, talks, guided tours and special events in Siena.
Out of the box: in dialogue. From the depot to the museum – intersecting perspectives at Santa Maria della Scala
Out of the Box is a 2025 curatorial project of Santa Maria della Scala that reinterprets the museum heritage by bringing together historical and contemporary works for new interpretations.
Out of the Box is a 2025 curatorial project of Santa Maria della Scala that reinterprets the museum heritage by bringing together historical and contemporary works for new interpretations.
Finissage of the exhibition 'Paper Garden. Thread and line: grafts, assemblages, diary-books
To mark the closing of the exhibition, on Friday, June 6, we are organizing a finissage featuring several events throughout the day.
To mark the closing of the exhibition, on Friday, June 6, we are organizing a finissage featuring several events throughout the day.
Presentation of the Volume "The Collection of Etruscan Coins at the National Archaeological Museum of Siena"
The volume retraces the history of the coin collection of the National Archaeological Museum, highlighting its main sources and the find contexts within the Siena area.
The volume retraces the history of the coin collection of the National Archaeological Museum, highlighting its main sources and the find contexts within the Siena area.
European Night of Museums at the Santa Maria della Scala
On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Santa Maria della Scala will be open for free from 7 PM to midnight for the European Night of Museums. Visitors can explore the museum and enjoy a pink gin and tonic in honor of the Giro d’Italia.
On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Santa Maria della Scala will be open for free from 7 PM to midnight for the European Night of Museums. Visitors can explore the museum and enjoy a pink gin and tonic in honor of the Giro d’Italia.
Paper Garden. The thread and the sign: assemblages, grafts, and diary-books
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The International Women's Day at Santa Maria della Scala
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WE, YOU, THE OTHERS. Together along the paths of art
From May 6 to May 18, 2025, the Santa Maria della Scala will host the exhibition WE, YOU, THE OTHERS. Together along the paths of art, curated by the Cooperativa Riuscita Sociale and the Caselli Institute of Education.
From May 6 to May 18, 2025, the Santa Maria della Scala will host the exhibition WE, YOU, THE OTHERS. Together along the paths of art, curated by the Cooperativa Riuscita Sociale and the Caselli Institute of Education.
Celebrations of the 450th anniversary of the death of Cosimo I de' Medici. Study conference: "Siena, Florence, and Cosimo I de' Medici"
On December 11 and 12, 2024, as part of the celebrations organized by the Tuscany Region for the 450th anniversary of the death of Cosimo I de' Medici, the conference "Siena, Florence and Cosimo I de' Medici" will take place in the Sant'Ansano hall.
On December 11 and 12, 2024, as part of the celebrations organized by the Tuscany Region for the 450th anniversary of the death of Cosimo I de' Medici, the conference "Siena, Florence and Cosimo I de' Medici" will take place in the Sant'Ansano hall.
Artworks
Story of blessed Sorore
The fresco depicts the story of Sorore and is prominently displayed today on the left side, above the door leading to the aisles of Sant'Ansano and San Galgano.
The fresco depicts the story of Sorore and is prominently displayed today on the left side, above the door leading to the aisles of Sant'Ansano and San Galgano.
Enlargement of the hospital
The fresco in the third bay of the Pellegrinaio depicts a construction site related to the hospital, with an octagonal building in the background and a portico where workers are engaged in their tasks.
The fresco in the third bay of the Pellegrinaio depicts a construction site related to the hospital, with an octagonal building in the background and a portico where workers are engaged in their tasks.
Agostino Novello gives the habit to the rector
The fresco by Priamo della Quercia located in the Pellegrinaio, in the fourth bay on the right, represents the blessed Agostino Novello presenting the Augustinian habit to the Rector. Among the characters, the emperor John VIII Palaiologos can be recognized.
The fresco by Priamo della Quercia located in the Pellegrinaio, in the fourth bay on the right, represents the blessed Agostino Novello presenting the Augustinian habit to the Rector. Among the characters, the emperor John VIII Palaiologos can be recognized.
The Pope grants an indulgence
The fresco in the fifth bay on the right located in the Pellegrinaio depicts Eugene IV handing a scroll to Carlo d'Agnolino Bartoli. In the background, Oriental and African figures can be seen.
The fresco in the fifth bay on the right located in the Pellegrinaio depicts Eugene IV handing a scroll to Carlo d'Agnolino Bartoli. In the background, Oriental and African figures can be seen.
Care of the Sick
The fresco, by Domenico di Bartolo, is located in the fifth bay on the left in the Pellegrinaio and depicts a medieval hospital with doctors, friars, and nurses, offering a detailed portrayal of hospital life from 1378.
The fresco, by Domenico di Bartolo, is located in the fifth bay on the left in the Pellegrinaio and depicts a medieval hospital with doctors, friars, and nurses, offering a detailed portrayal of hospital life from 1378.
Alms
The fresco located in the fourth bay on the left of the Pellegrinaio depicts a historical scene in the hospital, highlighting the weekly distribution of bread to the poor. It features figures of pilgrims, sick individuals, and nobles, such as the Emperor Sigismund.
The fresco located in the fourth bay on the left of the Pellegrinaio depicts a historical scene in the hospital, highlighting the weekly distribution of bread to the poor. It features figures of pilgrims, sick individuals, and nobles, such as the Emperor Sigismund.
Giving young women away in marriage
The "marriage of young girls" is located in the fourth bay of the Pellegrinaio. This bay features a significant scene illustrating one of the charitable functions of the hospital: the marriage of young poor women, a practice that was part of the hospital's activities in providing assistance and social support during the medieval period.
The "marriage of young girls" is located in the fourth bay of the Pellegrinaio. This bay features a significant scene illustrating one of the charitable functions of the hospital: the marriage of young poor women, a practice that was part of the hospital's activities in providing assistance and social support during the medieval period.
The alms of the corticella (Distribution of alms)
The almsgiving of the Corticella is located in the third bay of the Pellegrinaio. This bay is one of the most significant, as it hosts scenes related to hospitality and the care of pilgrims, including the distribution of alms, in a context that reflects the charitable practices and assistance of the medieval hospital.
The almsgiving of the Corticella is located in the third bay of the Pellegrinaio. This bay is one of the most significant, as it hosts scenes related to hospitality and the care of pilgrims, including the distribution of alms, in a context that reflects the charitable practices and assistance of the medieval hospital.
The ceiling of the Pellegrinaio
The ceiling decoration in the Pellegrinaio hall, created between 1439 and 1441 by Agostino di Marsiglio, features saints and figures, along with coats of arms and vegetal motifs, across the five spans and four connecting arches.
The ceiling decoration in the Pellegrinaio hall, created between 1439 and 1441 by Agostino di Marsiglio, features saints and figures, along with coats of arms and vegetal motifs, across the five spans and four connecting arches.
Our Lady of the Mantle
In 1444, Domenico di Bartolo painted the Madonna della Misericordia in the Chapel of Relics, which later became a place of veneration. In 1610, the fresco was transferred to the Old Sacristy. During the restoration in 1969, preparatory sketches and hidden side panels were discovered.
In 1444, Domenico di Bartolo painted the Madonna della Misericordia in the Chapel of Relics, which later became a place of veneration. In 1610, the fresco was transferred to the Old Sacristy. During the restoration in 1969, preparatory sketches and hidden side panels were discovered.
Reliquary
The Reliquary is a liturgical object of great artistic and religious value. It features reliefs depicting the Resurrection and the Crucifixion.
The Reliquary is a liturgical object of great artistic and religious value. It features reliefs depicting the Resurrection and the Crucifixion.
Reliquary of the sacred nail
The reliquary of the Holy Nail is a work of great historical and artistic value, linked to one of the most important objects of devotion in Christian tradition.
The reliquary of the Holy Nail is a work of great historical and artistic value, linked to one of the most important objects of devotion in Christian tradition.
The organ of the church of the Santissima Annunziata
The Church of the Santissima Annunziata is equipped with an organ, with the instrumental part crafted by Antonio Piffaro and the wooden decoration by Mario di Castelnuovo.
The Church of the Santissima Annunziata is equipped with an organ, with the instrumental part crafted by Antonio Piffaro and the wooden decoration by Mario di Castelnuovo.
Music chapel, church of the Santissima Annunziata
The music chapel, established in the early 17th century, is located on the left wall of the nave in the Church of Santissima Annunziata.
The music chapel, established in the early 17th century, is located on the left wall of the nave in the Church of Santissima Annunziata.
The Christ, Lorenzo di Pietro "il Vecchietta"
The sculpture by Lorenzo di Pietro known as il Vecchietta is located inside the church of the Santissima Annunziata. The image has been interpreted as a representation of Christ the Redeemer.
The sculpture by Lorenzo di Pietro known as il Vecchietta is located inside the church of the Santissima Annunziata. The image has been interpreted as a representation of Christ the Redeemer.
Marble slab of the Sepulchre of the Rectors
Marble slab of the Tomb of the Rectors by Ascanio Covatti, entrance hall of the hospital, 1613.
Marble slab of the Tomb of the Rectors by Ascanio Covatti, entrance hall of the hospital, 1613.
Funeral monument of Rector Giovanni Battista Tondi
Funeral monument of rector Giovanni Battista Tondi, entrance hall of the hospital, 1507.
Funeral monument of rector Giovanni Battista Tondi, entrance hall of the hospital, 1507.
The Massacre of the Innocents
The Massacre of the Innocents, painted by Matteo di Giovanni in 1482 for the Church of Sant'Agostino, arrived at Santa Maria della Scala in 2006 and was placed in the Passeggio during a temporary exhibition dedicated to the painter. The work is one of four depictions of the same theme executed by the artist over a decade: the panel at the Capodimonte Museum in Naples (1468), the cartoon for the floor of the Siena Cathedral (1481), the work for the Church of Sant'Agostino, and the one made for the Basilica dei Servi in 1491.
The Massacre of the Innocents, painted by Matteo di Giovanni in 1482 for the Church of Sant'Agostino, arrived at Santa Maria della Scala in 2006 and was placed in the Passeggio during a temporary exhibition dedicated to the painter. The work is one of four depictions of the same theme executed by the artist over a decade: the panel at the Capodimonte Museum in Naples (1468), the cartoon for the floor of the Siena Cathedral (1481), the work for the Church of Sant'Agostino, and the one made for the Basilica dei Servi in 1491.
Pietro Aldi, Nero contemplates the fire of Rome
The large painting featuring Nero was likely begun in 1887 and remained unfinished due to the premature death of the painter.
The large painting featuring Nero was likely begun in 1887 and remained unfinished due to the premature death of the painter.
The 1290 plaque on the façade of the Rector's Palace, with the underlying 'Balzana' of Siena
On the facade of Santa Maria della Scala are embedded four ancient inscriptions that tell a significant part of the centuries-old Sienese institution's history. The first one is located at the entrance of via dei Fusari, above an arch, now bricked up, on the ground floor of the Rector's Palace, the institutional figure that has guided the entity since its origins.
On the facade of Santa Maria della Scala are embedded four ancient inscriptions that tell a significant part of the centuries-old Sienese institution's history. The first one is located at the entrance of via dei Fusari, above an arch, now bricked up, on the ground floor of the Rector's Palace, the institutional figure that has guided the entity since its origins.