For those visiting the stunning cathedral of Siena, there is another stop on the premises that you won't want to miss: the Piccolomini Library. Another artistic and architectural gem in this great Tuscan Renaissance city, it can be reached when you turn left about halfway along the length of the cathedral's aisle. The Piccolomini name holds a lot of weight and history in Siena. Enea Silvio Piccolomini was a 15th century noble who served as mediator in trying to reconcile Emperor Frederick III with the papal state, arranging the emperor's marriage to Eleonora of Aragon and organising his coronation in Rome and was rewarded by being made the Bishop of Trieste in 1447 and the Bishop of Siena in 1450.
He went on to become a cardinal in 1456 and was elected as Pope Pius II min 1458. A very powerful figure of the time, the library was named after him by the subsequent Pope Pius III, another Piccolomini, his nephew.
He went on to become a cardinal in 1456 and was elected as Pope Pius II min 1458. A very powerful figure of the time, the library was named after him by the subsequent Pope Pius III, another Piccolomini, his nephew.
The library itself was built by Pius III in memory of his uncle and to conserve the rich collection of manuscripts that he had lovingly collected. Despite the original intention, a visit to the library today is more about the space itself as the manuscript collection never really made it there.
A few beautiful volumes are on display but the real stars of the show are the frescoes by Pinturicchio and his workshop – the young Raffaello Sanzio among their number.
The walls are divided into 10 scenes that explain and represent important phases and episodes of Pope Pius II 's life: his work for the Emperor, his achievements within the church, his time as an ambassador to European courts and key scenes such as his paying respects to the newly enthroned Emperor and then to the ailing Pope, presenting Eleonora to the Emperor, becoming cardinal and then pope.
A few beautiful volumes are on display but the real stars of the show are the frescoes by Pinturicchio and his workshop – the young Raffaello Sanzio among their number.
The walls are divided into 10 scenes that explain and represent important phases and episodes of Pope Pius II 's life: his work for the Emperor, his achievements within the church, his time as an ambassador to European courts and key scenes such as his paying respects to the newly enthroned Emperor and then to the ailing Pope, presenting Eleonora to the Emperor, becoming cardinal and then pope.
The designs even continue on to the ceiling where the main rectangle and half voltas are painted in blue, red and gold with grotesque designs. Another artistic highlight of the library is the copy of the sculpture of The Three Graces, which is, in turn, a Roman a copy of a more ancient Hellenistic work.
Entry to the library is included in the cost to enter the cathedral complex and is just three euro but it is a good idea to buy the OPA Si Pass, an all-inclusive ticket – valid for 3 days, it allows access to the Cathedral and the Piccolomini Library, the Museo dell'Opera, Baptistery, Crypt, Oratory of San Bernardino and Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art – as it costs twelve euro.
This allows you to freely visit the great artistic and cultural triumphs of this beautiful city in Tuscany once you have found a villa with pool in Siena.
Entry to the library is included in the cost to enter the cathedral complex and is just three euro but it is a good idea to buy the OPA Si Pass, an all-inclusive ticket – valid for 3 days, it allows access to the Cathedral and the Piccolomini Library, the Museo dell'Opera, Baptistery, Crypt, Oratory of San Bernardino and Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art – as it costs twelve euro.
This allows you to freely visit the great artistic and cultural triumphs of this beautiful city in Tuscany once you have found a villa with pool in Siena.
