by Laura Bonelli

The history and the architecture

The palazzo, located between the Piazza del Campo and the cathedral, was erected during the XIII century by the noble Marescotti family, who were also responsible for the construction of the stone tower. The facade is characterized by two sets of three-mullioned windows positioned beneath the family crest: an eagle with its wings open. In 1506 the building was acquired by Piccolomini del Mandolo, who carried out modifications (both structural and decorative) and gave the building a renaissance appearance. Prominence was given to the frescoes beneath the portico attributed to the Sienan painter Giorgio di Giovanni. In 1770 the residence passed to the Saracini family who, in turn, carried out a neo-gothic restoration that was enhanced by the acquisition of numerous other properties.

The collection

Galgano Saracini is credited for the accumulation of numerous works of art, a passion that was initiated by his uncle Benardino and that contains numerous artistic masterpieces that are still part of the collection today. In 1806 Galgano Saracini opened his collection to the public. This eclectic collection includes a significant number of pieces from the Sienan school but also includes works by maestri such as Bernardo Strozzi e Salvator Rosa. In 1877 when the Saracini family died out, the palazzo was inherited by the Chigi family. The last owner of the palace was the Count Guido Chigi Saracini, who commissioned a renovation by the architect Arturo Viligiardi.

The Academy of music

In 1932, at the request of the count, the Accademia Musicale Chigiana was established as an international centre for the study of music. In 1923 in the rococò style concert hall a prestigious season of concerts had been held, denominated by the Chigi family motto: “Micat in Vertice”. In 1939 the festival “Settimana Musicale Senese” was created and allowed a rediscovery of the works of Antonio Vivaldi. In 1961 the Accademia became a Foundation thanks to the legacy from the count, who following his death in 1965 left significant financial legacies to the Monte dei Paschi di Siena Foundation and the Monte dei Paschi di Siena bank.