Palazzo Chigi Saracini
Palazzo Chigi Saracini
Possibly the most interesting private Medieval palazzo in Siena. Built in the twelfth century for the Marescotti family, whose crest is visible on the façade, it was the headquarters of the Consiglio dei Reggitori della Repubblica – Council of Governors of the Republic.
Palazzo Chigi Saracini, Façade
At the start of the sixteenth century the building became the property of the Piccolomini-Mandoli family and was embellished with several elements in Renaissance style. Examples of this are the entrance hall, the entrance stairs and the Peruzzio-inspired north-eastern loggia.
Palazzo Chigi Saracini, Courtyard
In the second half of the seventeenth century it passed to the Saracini family. During this period the Palazzo was expanded and the façade substantially extended along the street, absorbing the isolated medieval Rocca Marescotti. A museum was set up at the start of the nineteenth century, open to the public, containing artworks collected by Galgano Saracino. At the end of the century it became the property of the Chigi family. At this time the Gothic façade became a plane of openings in pointed arches, the two upper floors having trifore windows – the lower in stone, the upper in brick. A tower was added at the corner of the building.
Palazzo Chigi Saracini, Concert hall
In the nineteen thirties the Palazzo became the headquarters of the Accademia Musicale Chigiana, founded by Count Guido Chigi Saracini, with a library and an exhibition of mainly Sienese pictorial art.
Comune di Siena 2010 - accessible version -
