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 route of works created in collaboration with the sculpture students of the Duccio di Buoninsegna art high school, and by black and raised images of some of the city's main monuments designed with the Siena section of Uici and produced thanks to the collaboration of Rotary Siena Est.
The museum hosts a tactile route of works created in collaboration with the sculpture students of the Duccio di Buoninsegna art high school, and by black and raised images of some of the city's main monuments designed with the Siena section of 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 Most Holy Annunciation
The church of the Most Holy Annunciation, oriented longitudinally toward the square, now occupies much of the hospital’s façade.
The church of the Most Holy Annunciation, oriented longitudinally toward the square, now occupies much of the hospital’s façade.
Saint 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 Mantle Chapel of Santa Maria della Scala has been one of the most altered spaces over the course of its long history.
The Mantle Chapel of Santa Maria della Scala has been one of the most altered spaces over the course of its long history.
San Pio Hall
From the 14th century the San Pio hall was part of another ‘pellegrinaio’ of the hospital that later became an infirmary.
From the 14th century the San Pio hall was part of another ‘pellegrinaio’ of the hospital that later became an infirmary.
The Old Sacristy
In the 1340s, at the height of a historical period of extraordinary significance for Siena and for its main hospital, and in a climate of intense cultural, religious, and political ferment, the care and religious spaces of Santa Maria della Scala were extensively renovated and enriched with decorative programs, paintings, furnishings, and chapels, so much so that the hospital became one of the most important centers of artistic production of the early Sienese Renaissance.
In the 1340s, at the height of a historical period of extraordinary significance for Siena and for its main hospital, and in a climate of intense cultural, religious, and political ferment, the care and religious spaces of Santa Maria della Scala were extensively renovated and enriched with decorative programs, paintings, furnishings, and chapels, so much so that the hospital became one of the most important centers of artistic production of the early Sienese Renaissance.
The Stroll
On 17 August 1379 a resolution of the hospital recorded the existence of a pilgrims' hostel and ordered its duplication in an identical room.
On 17 August 1379 a resolution of the hospital recorded the existence of a pilgrims' hostel and ordered its duplication in an identical room.
Saint Leopold Hall
Since 2008, the San Leopoldo Hall has housed the Collection of the Children's Art Museum. It contains international works dedicated to the world of childhood.
Since 2008, the San Leopoldo Hall has housed the Collection of the Children's Art Museum. It contains international works dedicated to the world of childhood.
Pilgrims' Hall
In 1328 the hospital expanded its premises with the construction of a male pilgrim hostel, achieved by acquiring and demolishing surrounding houses to overcome a three-floor difference in level.
In 1328 the hospital expanded its premises with the construction of a male pilgrim hostel, achieved by acquiring and demolishing surrounding houses to overcome a three-floor difference in level.
San Galgano Hall
The San Galgano halls together with the Sant’Ansano hall formed a single male pilgrims' dormitory, later modified and enlarged between the 13th and the 19th centuries with various uses and transformations.
The San Galgano halls together with the Sant’Ansano hall formed a single male pilgrims' dormitory, later modified and enlarged between the 13th and the 19th centuries with various uses and transformations.
Old entrance
The monumental entrance to the museum complex was designed by Augusto Corbi in 1895; this space was in fact originally part of the church of the Most Holy Annunciation.
The monumental entrance to the museum complex was designed by Augusto Corbi in 1895; this space was in fact originally part of the church of the Most Holy Annunciation.
Events and Exhibitions
The water routes at Santa Maria della Scala
After the large turnout, the guided tours "Water Routes at Santa Maria della Scala".
After the large turnout, the guided tours "Water Routes at Santa Maria della Scala".
Closing of the exhibition “Paper Garden. The thread and the mark: grafts, assemblages, diary-books”
On the occasion of the exhibition's closing, on Friday, June 6 we are offering a finissage made up of several moments throughout the day. The artist will be present at the finissage.
On the occasion of the exhibition's closing, on Friday, June 6 we are offering a finissage made up of several moments throughout the day. The artist will be present at the finissage.
#IncontriallaScala- Museology and perception. From the contemplation of beauty to the aesthetic experience
Thursday, September 18 at 5:30 PM, the Santa Maria della Scala hosts a new event in the #IncontriallaScala series, dedicated to the presentation of the book Museology and Perception. From the contemplation of beauty to the aesthetic experience, written by Domenico Piraina and Maurizio Vanni and published by Pacini Editore.
Thursday, September 18 at 5:30 PM, the Santa Maria della Scala hosts a new event in the #IncontriallaScala series, dedicated to the presentation of the book Museology and Perception. From the contemplation of beauty to the aesthetic experience, written by Domenico Piraina and Maurizio Vanni and published by Pacini Editore.
Bright-Night returns to Santa Maria della Scala. Stands, talks, research walks, guided tours and music
The Bright-Night 2025 of the University of Siena returns on Friday, September 26 inside the museum complex.
The Bright-Night 2025 of the University of Siena returns on Friday, September 26 inside the museum complex.
At the museum: rehearsals of Regeneration Opera by Amat
In October the museum hosts the workshops of the project Supporting the Horizon and the rehearsals of Regeneration Opera, an AMAT initiative for the training of young musicians. The project involves schools and the museum's workshops, promoting the regeneration of the theatre audience.
In October the museum hosts the workshops of the project Supporting the Horizon and the rehearsals of Regeneration Opera, an AMAT initiative for the training of young musicians. The project involves schools and the museum's workshops, promoting the regeneration of the theatre audience.
Well-being at the museum: examples of good practice projects for people with Alzheimer's and those who care for them
On the occasion of World Alzheimer's Day, Wednesday, October 1, the Fondazione Antico Ospedale Santa Maria della Scala organizes the conference Well-being at the museum: examples of good practices from projects for people with Alzheimer's and those who care for them, a moment of reflection and discussion open to cultural and healthcare professionals and the public.
On the occasion of World Alzheimer's Day, Wednesday, October 1, the Fondazione Antico Ospedale Santa Maria della Scala organizes the conference Well-being at the museum: examples of good practices from projects for people with Alzheimer's and those who care for them, a moment of reflection and discussion open to cultural and healthcare professionals and the public.
Xenos. Festival of performances - program November 16
From 13 to 16 November the Antico Ospedale Santa Maria della Scala Foundation presents the second edition of Xenos. Performance festival.
From 13 to 16 November the Antico Ospedale Santa Maria della Scala Foundation presents the second edition of Xenos. Performance festival.
Xenos. Performance festival - program November 13
From November 13 to 16 the Antico Ospedale Santa Maria della Scala Foundation presents the second edition of Xenos — a festival of performances.
From November 13 to 16 the Antico Ospedale Santa Maria della Scala Foundation presents the second edition of Xenos — a festival of performances.
Xenos. Performance Festival - program November 14
From November 13 to 16 the Antico Ospedale Santa Maria della Scala Foundation presents the second edition of Xenos. Performance festival.
From November 13 to 16 the Antico Ospedale Santa Maria della Scala Foundation presents the second edition of Xenos. Performance festival.
Xenos. Performance festival - program 15 November
From 13 to 16 November the Antico Ospedale Santa Maria della Scala Foundation presents the second edition of Xenos. Festival of performances.
From 13 to 16 November the Antico Ospedale Santa Maria della Scala Foundation presents the second edition of Xenos. Festival of performances.
Xenos. Performance festival
From 13 to 16 November the Antico Ospedale Santa Maria della Scala Foundation presents the second edition of Xenos. Performance festival.
From 13 to 16 November the Antico Ospedale Santa Maria della Scala Foundation presents the second edition of Xenos. Performance festival.
Presentation of the book "The Creative Middle Ages. Innovating, Inventing, Experimenting in Italy from the 10th to the 14th centuries"
The Incontri alla Scala series returns to the Museum: on Thursday, December 18 at 5:30 PM, in the Sala Sant’Ansano, the book The Middle Ages That Create. Innovating, inventing, experimenting in Italy from the 10th to the 14th centuries will be presented.
The Incontri alla Scala series returns to the Museum: on Thursday, December 18 at 5:30 PM, in the Sala Sant’Ansano, the book The Middle Ages That Create. Innovating, inventing, experimenting in Italy from the 10th to the 14th centuries will be presented.
Vecchietta at Santa Maria della Scala. A new vision for the museum complex
A little more than six hundred years after the birth of Lorenzo di Pietro, called il Vecchietta (Siena, 1410–1480), the Santa Maria della Scala museum complex has decided to reorganize some of its rooms starting from the figure of the artist who worked there most extensively.
A little more than six hundred years after the birth of Lorenzo di Pietro, called il Vecchietta (Siena, 1410–1480), the Santa Maria della Scala museum complex has decided to reorganize some of its rooms starting from the figure of the artist who worked there most extensively.
AperiLIS at the museum!
Friday, December 19, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Santa Maria della Scala hosts AperiLIS at the museum!, an event dedicated to inclusion and the discovery of Italian Sign Language.
Friday, December 19, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Santa Maria della Scala hosts AperiLIS at the museum!, an event dedicated to inclusion and the discovery of Italian Sign Language.
Out of the box: in dialogue. From the depot to the museum – crossed glances 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 juxtaposing historical and contemporary works to offer new interpretations.
Out of the Box is a 2025 curatorial project of Santa Maria della Scala that reinterprets the museum heritage by juxtaposing historical and contemporary works to offer new interpretations.
European Heritage Days 2025
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, promoted by the Ministry of Culture, the Santa Maria della Scala museum complex offers a rich program of guided tours and activities for children.
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, promoted by the Ministry of Culture, the Santa Maria della Scala museum complex offers a rich program of guided tours and activities for children.
Bring a Friend to the Museum!
Wednesday, July 30, on the occasion of International Friendship Day, Santa Maria della Scala offers a free guided tour to visitors who come with friends, at 5:00 PM.
Wednesday, July 30, on the occasion of International Friendship Day, Santa Maria della Scala offers a free guided tour to visitors who come with friends, at 5:00 PM.
NoiSe><Derive
From July 9 to September 14, 2025, Santa Maria della Scala presents, in the rooms of the former Refectory and the spaces of the Magazzini della Corticella, the NoiSe>
From July 9 to September 14, 2025, Santa Maria della Scala presents, in the rooms of the former Refectory and the spaces of the Magazzini della Corticella, the NoiSe>
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.
Artworks
The story of Sorore
The fresco in the Pellegrinaio hall, depicting the Story of Sorore, now hangs on the left above the side door that leads to the aisles of Sant'Ansano and San Galgano.
The fresco in the Pellegrinaio hall, depicting the Story of Sorore, now hangs on the left above the side door that leads to the aisles of Sant'Ansano and San Galgano.
The growth of walls
The fresco in the third bay of the pilgrims' hall shows a construction site associated with the hospital, with an octagonal building in the background and a portico where some workers are engaged in the work.
The fresco in the third bay of the pilgrims' hall shows a construction site associated with the hospital, with an octagonal building in the background and a portico where some workers are engaged in the work.
Agostino Novello hands the robe to the rector
The fresco by Priamo della Quercia located in the Pellegrinaio hall, in the fourth bay on the right, depicts the Blessed Agostino Novello presenting the Augustinian habit to the Rector. Among the figures, the emperor John VIII Palaiologos can be recognized.
The fresco by Priamo della Quercia located in the Pellegrinaio hall, in the fourth bay on the right, depicts the Blessed Agostino Novello presenting the Augustinian habit to the Rector. Among the figures, the emperor John VIII Palaiologos can be recognized.
The Pope grants the indulgence
The fresco in the fifth bay on the right, located in the Pellegrinaio hall, depicts Eugene IV handing a parchment to Carlo d'Agnolino Bartoli. In the background, Eastern and African figures can be seen.
The fresco in the fifth bay on the right, located in the Pellegrinaio hall, depicts Eugene IV handing a parchment to Carlo d'Agnolino Bartoli. In the background, Eastern and African figures can be seen.
Care of the sick
The fresco located in the fifth bay on the left, by Domenico di Bartolo, depicts a medieval hospital with doctors, friars and nurses, detailing hospital life in 1378.
The fresco located in the fifth bay on the left, by Domenico di Bartolo, depicts a medieval hospital with doctors, friars and nurses, detailing hospital life in 1378.
The Alms
The fresco located in the fourth bay on the left of the pilgrim hall depicts a historical scene in a hospital, highlighting the weekly distribution of bread to the poor, with figures of pilgrims, the sick and nobles such as Sigismondo.
The fresco located in the fourth bay on the left of the pilgrim hall depicts a historical scene in a hospital, highlighting the weekly distribution of bread to the poor, with figures of pilgrims, the sick and nobles such as Sigismondo.
The marriage of the maidens
The "marrying-off of the maidens" is located in the fourth bay of the Pellegrinaio. This bay depicts a significant scene that illustrates one of the hospital's charitable functions, related to the marriage of poor young women, a practice that fell within the welfare and social support activities of the medieval hospital.
The "marrying-off of the maidens" is located in the fourth bay of the Pellegrinaio. This bay depicts a significant scene that illustrates one of the hospital's charitable functions, related to the marriage of poor young women, a practice that fell within the welfare and social support activities of the medieval hospital.
The Alms of the Little Courtyard
The alms of the small courtyard are located in the third bay of the Pilgrims' Hall. 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 and care practices of the medieval hospital.
The alms of the small courtyard are located in the third bay of the Pilgrims' Hall. 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 and care practices of the medieval hospital.
The ceiling of the pilgrims' hostel
The decoration of the ceiling of the Pellegrinaio hall, executed between 1439 and 1441 by Agostino di Marsiglio in the five bays and in the four connecting sub-arches, depicts saints and figures, with coats of arms and vegetal motifs.
The decoration of the ceiling of the Pellegrinaio hall, executed between 1439 and 1441 by Agostino di Marsiglio in the five bays and in the four connecting sub-arches, depicts saints and figures, with coats of arms and vegetal motifs.
Madonna of the Mantle
In 1444, Domenico di Bartolo painted the Madonna of Mercy in the Chapel of the Relics, which later became a place of veneration. In 1610, the fresco was moved to the Old Sacristy. During the 1969 restoration, preparatory sketches and hidden side panels were discovered.
In 1444, Domenico di Bartolo painted the Madonna of Mercy in the Chapel of the Relics, which later became a place of veneration. In 1610, the fresco was moved to the Old Sacristy. During the 1969 restoration, preparatory sketches and hidden side panels were discovered.
Reliquary
The Reliquary is a liturgical object of great artistic and religious value. It features relief scenes of the Resurrection and the Crucifixion.
The Reliquary is a liturgical object of great artistic and religious value. It features relief scenes of the Resurrection and the Crucifixion.
Reliquary of the Holy Nail
The reliquary of the Holy Nail is a work of great historical and artistic value, connected to one of the most important objects of devotion in the Christian tradition.
The reliquary of the Holy Nail is a work of great historical and artistic value, connected to one of the most important objects of devotion in the Christian tradition.
The organ of the Church of the Most Holy Annunciation
The Church of the Most Holy Annunciation is equipped with an organ by Antonio Piffaro and Mario di Castelnuovo.
The Church of the Most Holy Annunciation is equipped with an organ by Antonio Piffaro and Mario di Castelnuovo.
The Music Chapel, Church of the Most Holy Annunciation
The music chapel, built in the early seventeenth century, is located on the left wall of the nave of the church of the Most Holy Annunciation.
The music chapel, built in the early seventeenth century, is located on the left wall of the nave of the church of the Most Holy Annunciation.
The Christ, Lorenzo di Pietro called Il Vecchietta
The sculpture by Lorenzo di Pietro, called il Vecchietta, is located inside the church of the Santissima Annunziata. Theimage has been interpreted as a representation of Christ the Redeemer.
The sculpture by Lorenzo di Pietro, called il Vecchietta, is located inside the church of the Santissima Annunziata. Theimage has been interpreted as a representation of Christ the Redeemer.
Marble slab from the Sepulchre of the Rectors
\nMarble slab of the Monument to the Rectors by Ascanio Covatti, hospital atrium, 1613.
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Marble slab of the Monument to the Rectors by Ascanio Covatti, hospital atrium, 1613.
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Funerary monument of Rector Giovanni Battista Tondi
Funerary monument of Rector Giovanni Battista Tondi, hospital entrance atrium, 1507.
Funerary monument of Rector Giovanni Battista Tondi, hospital entrance atrium, 1507.
Matteo di Giovanni, 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, placed in the Passeggio, on the occasion of a temporary exhibition dedicated to the painter. The work is one of four depictions with the same theme executed by the artist over the course of a decade: the panel at the Museo di Capodimonte in Naples dated 1468, the cartoon for the pavement of the Duomo of Siena from 1481, the work for the church of Sant'Agostino and the one created 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, placed in the Passeggio, on the occasion of a temporary exhibition dedicated to the painter. The work is one of four depictions with the same theme executed by the artist over the course of a decade: the panel at the Museo di Capodimonte in Naples dated 1468, the cartoon for the pavement of the Duomo of Siena from 1481, the work for the church of Sant'Agostino and the one created for the Basilica dei Servi in 1491.
Pietro Aldi, Nero contemplates the burning of Rome
The large painting that has Nero as its protagonist was probably started in 1887 and remained unfinished due to the painter's premature death.
The large painting that has Nero as its protagonist was probably started in 1887 and remained unfinished due to the painter's premature death.
The 1290 plaque on the facade of the Palazzo del Rettore, with the 'Balzana' of Siena beneath it
On the façade of Santa Maria della Scala are set four ancient inscriptions that recount a significant part of the centuries-old Sienese institution. The first is located at the entrance to Via dei Fusari, above an archway now sealed, on the ground floor of the Palazzo del Rettore, the institutional figure who led the institution from its origins.
On the façade of Santa Maria della Scala are set four ancient inscriptions that recount a significant part of the centuries-old Sienese institution. The first is located at the entrance to Via dei Fusari, above an archway now sealed, on the ground floor of the Palazzo del Rettore, the institutional figure who led the institution from its origins.