The Santa Maria della Scala hospital in the city of Siena has a wonderful story to share with tourists! It was one of the first hospitals in Europe and one of the oldest in the world still open, but now as a museum. Stay in a lovely vacation rental in Siena where you can easily travel into Siena city and discover all the cultural treasures it has on offer.
It lies along the Via Francigena, the famous pilgrim path leading all the way to Rome. It was most likely founded to provide food and shelter to accommodate pilgrims and other travellers along this path.
It lies along the Via Francigena, the famous pilgrim path leading all the way to Rome. It was most likely founded to provide food and shelter to accommodate pilgrims and other travellers along this path.
It opened its door to all of Siena and beyond, caring for the poor, sick and the orphans and abandoned children of Siena. The Santa Maria della Scala hospital is located in Piazza del Duomo, opposite the cathedral. In the 1330s many beautiful interior frescoes and artworks were commissioned many of which can still be seen today.
This vast building consists of five floors, four of which are open to the public and contains several museums. Learn all about artistic, historical and cultural aspects of Siena, immortalised in these fascinating museums.
This vast building consists of five floors, four of which are open to the public and contains several museums. Learn all about artistic, historical and cultural aspects of Siena, immortalised in these fascinating museums.
Be sure to see the gorgeous fountain designed by Jacopo della Quercia located in the courtyard of the third floor.
Or head to the underground floor where the warehouses and storage spaces once were and is now a fascinating archaeological museum.
Entry is only ten euros to this large and impressive museum space and is open to tourists between April and November from 10.30am to 6.30 pm and entry is free for children under eleven years of age.
Visit the beautiful Santa Maria della Scala hospital museum in Siena for a wonderful tourist experience!
Or head to the underground floor where the warehouses and storage spaces once were and is now a fascinating archaeological museum.
Entry is only ten euros to this large and impressive museum space and is open to tourists between April and November from 10.30am to 6.30 pm and entry is free for children under eleven years of age.
Visit the beautiful Santa Maria della Scala hospital museum in Siena for a wonderful tourist experience!
Photo credits
picture 3: Combusken / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 3: Combusken / CC BY-SA 3.0
