Story and significance
About
Located directly opposite the cathedral, Santa Maria della Scala is one of the oldest hospital complexes in Europe turned into a museum in Siena.
Timeline, heritage and stories
Heritage
Santa Maria della Scala is an immense monument of civic charity located in front of the Duomo of Siena. Operating as a hospital for over a thousand years to aid pilgrims on the Via Francigena, it now functions as a cultural hub housing archaeological exhibits and original Renaissance frescoes detailing medieval healthcare.
Practical notes before you go
Visit
- Type
- Museum
- Tip
- Opening hours and ticket rules may vary by season.
Related places around here
Nearby
Museum
3
Museum
Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia
The Palazzo Pubblico and its soaring Torre del Mangia serve as a major civic museum in the center of Siena .
Museum
National Pinacotheca of Siena (Pinacoteca Nazionale)
The Pinacoteca Nazionale is a national museum in Siena , displaying an unparalleled collection of medieval and Renaissance Sienese paintings.
Museum
Museo Civico
Located inside the Palazzo Pubblico, the Museo Civico is a prestigious museum housing priceless medieval and Renaissance paintings of the Sienese school of art based in Siena .
Historic sites
5
Historic sites
Piazza del Campo
Located in the heart of Siena , Piazza del Campo is one of Europe's greatest medieval squares. It represents the historic and cultural core of the city.
Historic sites
Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena)
Siena Cathedral is a magnificent medieval church in Siena , dedicated from its earliest days as a Roman Catholic marian church. It features stunning Italian Gothic architecture.
Historic sites
Piazza del Campo
Located in the heart of Siena , Piazza del Campo is one of Europe's greatest medieval squares. Famous for its unique shell-shaped architectural design, it hosts the historic Palio horse races.
Historic sites
Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena)
The most magnificent religious structure in Siena , the Siena Cathedral is a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture. Its facade of black and white marble stripes represents the symbolic colors of the city.
Historic sites
Palazzo Pubblico
Serving as the town hall of Siena , Palazzo Pubblico is a medieval architectural monument rising in Piazza del Campo. Today, the palace houses the city's most important art collections.