PALAZZO CHIGI SARACINI
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Palace that boasts a long and beautiful Gothic facade, one of the most prestigious of Siena.
Practically opposite the Palazzo Piccolomini delle Papesse, this palace boasts a long and beautiful Gothic façade, slightly curved, which may remind us a little of the emblematic Palazzo Pubblico. Built in the 12th century by the powerful Gibeline family of the Marescotti, the Chigi Saracini Palace played a crucial role in Siena's victory over Florence in Monteaperti (4 September 1260). Legend has it that from the top of the palace tower, a drum followed the battle and referred the people to its course.
This beautiful Gothic building, one of the most prestigious in the city, pierced by elegant geminated windows, is today the headquarters of the illustrious Chigiana Music Academy, founded in 1932 by Count Guido Chigi Saracini. This music study centre organizes music classes and concerts during the summer season. Its interior, renovated during the Renaissance, also houses a rich private collection of art and musical instruments, initiated in 1776 by Bernardo Saracini. You have to organize yourself to have the chance to see all this: the tours are only guided, in Italian or English, and by prior reservation.
The courtyard, where it is possible to go free of charge if the doors of the palace are open, includes a portico decorated with frescoes attributed to Giorgio di Giovanni that tell the story of the life of Pope Pius II. Born in Siena at the end of the 15th century, the artist Giorgio di Giovanni was notably the pupil of the famous Giovanni da Udine on the Vatican project in Rome.
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