Siena - Palazzo Chigi-Saracini

The Palazzo Chigi-Saracini, constructed on a plan adapted to the bend in Via di Città, was originally built in the 12th century and was completed in the 14th. It was enlarged in 1787 and thoroughly restored at the beginning of the 20th century. The facade with its Gothic windows and massive battlemented tower is one of the finest in Siena, with an attractive contrast between the gray stone of the two lower floors and the brick of the top floor.

Since 1930 the palazzo has been the home of the Accadémia Musicale Chigiana (Academy of Music), which in addition to its regular activities organizes master classes and, in summer, concerts which are open to the public. In the interior are pictures by Botticelli, Neroccio, Pinturicchio, Sodoma and Spinello Aretino.