Santa Maria della Scala in Siena

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Santa Maria della Scala 

The Complex of Santa Maria della Scala is one of the oldest hospitals in Europe. Established along the via Francigena, right in front of Siena's majestic Duomo, the hospital today is an important and huge museum complex displaying important artworks.

The former hospital of Santa Maria della Scala was one of the first European examples of a place completely dedicated to offering lodging and shelter to pilgrims, as well as offering support to the poor and a home to abandoned children. It had its own independent organization that was initially run by religious members of the Duomo and later by the Siena municipality. Thanks to generous donations from Sienese noble families, the hospital became an important institution for the city. It owned many land and properties across the state of Siena, known as grance, that for a long time represented a huge part of the Sienese patrimony.

It also played an important role in the cultural scene of Siena. Many important artists worked here, such as Simone Martini, who frescoed the big cycle of the Stories of the Virgin (lost), Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti and later Sebastiano Conca.

Today, the complex of Santa Maria della Scala, some parts still under restoration, is one of the most important museums in Siena. The whole complex actually hosts several museums and splendid monumental areas. The museum is spread out over 4 floors, 3 of which are open to the public.

The main section of the hospital is called the Pellegrinaio, or Pilgrim's Hall, located on the 4th floor. The Pilgrim's Hall is a huge ward entirely frescoed with an important cycle of frescoes depicting the hospital's history by Domenico di Bartolo, Lorenzo Vecchietta and Priamo della Quercia. At the same level is the 13th century Church of Santissima Annunziata, displaying a stunning bronze Risen Christ by Lorenzo Vecchietta, as well as the Old Sacristy, known as the Sacred Nail Chapel, the Palazzo Squarcialupi, the Chapel of the Madonna and the Chapel of the Mantel.

On the 3rd floor is the Corticella, a small courtyard where you'll also find the medieval hayloft that displays the original marble Fountain Gaia (of Joy) (a copy is still in Piazza del Campo) by Jacopo della Quercia, as well as  the Oratory of the Company of Saint Catherine of the Night and the historical headquarters of the Society of Executors of Pious Dispositions.

On the 1st level is the Archeological Museum whose collection is displayed along impressive tuff tunnels.

The Complex of Santa Maria della Scala is a huge museum complex, a city within the city. It also hosts the Briganti Book and Photo Library, the Children's Art Museum and the Contemporary Art Center. In addition, events, exhibits and congresses are often organized here.

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