Origins and history

Santa Maria della Scala, one of the oldest hospitals in Europe and one of the first examples of xenodochio, is situated in the heart of Siena in front of the Cathedral. It is the keeper of thousands of years of history form the Etruscans to the Romans, passing through the mediaeval period and the Renaissance until today.

It originally sprung up on the Via Francigena and its establishment was due to the canonici of the Duomo, although a mediaeval legend claimed a mythical founder: Sorore the cobbler, who died in 898.

The management of this important institution became progressively less religious and in the 1400s control was passed to the Council, the acquisition was of profound importance to the economy of the Republic of Siena, especially due to the numerous properties and agricultural structures spread across the territory.

Santa Maria della Scala also played an important role in the cultural landscape of the city and it came to be recognised as a ‘third artistic pole’ alongside the cathedral and Palazzo Pubblico.

The Pellegrinaio and other spaces

The central area of Santa Maria is the Pellegrinaio, constructed in the second half of the 1300s and decorated with frescoes almost a century later; these include an important cycle dedicated to the history of the hospital. The Pellegrinaio, in addition to its artistic value, also represents an exceptional opportunity to explore the history and functions of this impressive edifice. On the large paintings on the walls, the story of the institution and daily life in the hospital is illustrated by the artists: Domenico di Bartolo, Lorenzo Vecchietta and Priamo della Quercia.

Other extraordinary spaces, recently converted into a museum are: the church of the Santissima Annunziata and the Sagrestia Vecchia with paintings by Lorenzo Vecchietta. Also of note are the suggestive chambers of the Compagnia di Santa Caterina della Notte and those of the historical seat of the Società di Esecutori di Pie Disposizioni, the new museo archeologico and the new exhibition space in Palazzo Squarcialupi.