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Piccolomini Library and its collection

Piccolomini Library
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The Piccolomini Library, located within the Siena Cathedral, is a significant historical site dedicated to the life of Pope Pius II. The library was established by his nephew, Cardinal Francesco Piccolomini, who was also the Bishop of Siena. The library houses precious book collections of the humanist Pope, Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who passed away in 1464. The library's entrance is from within the cathedral itself.

Artistic Elements of the Piccolomini Library

The Piccolomini Library is marked by a grand facade with two sculpted arcades, created in 1497 by Lorenzo di Mariano. Above the facade is a fresco titled 'The Pontifical Coronation of Pius III', painted by Pinturicchio in 1504. One of the arcades houses an altar with a bas-relief of Saint John the Baptist, attributed to Giovanni di Stefano. These artistic elements add to the historical and aesthetic appeal of the library.

Pinturicchio's Frescoes in the Piccolomini Library

One of the key features of the Piccolomini Library is a cycle of frescoes by Pinturicchio, depicting scenes from the life of Pope Pius II Piccolomini. These frescoes provide a visual narrative of the Pope's life, adding a unique historical and artistic dimension to the library.

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ITLibreria Piccolomini
DEPiccolomini-Bibliothek
ESBiblioteca Piccolomini

Art & Design Art & Design History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Religion Medieval art & Early Renaissance art Person & Artist Religious building

#14 Art & Design in Italy #33 History & Anthropology in Italy #8 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in Italy #6 Person & artist museums in Italy #9 Religion museums in Italy #6 Religious buildings in Italy #2 Art & Design in Siena #2 History & Anthropology in Siena #2 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in Siena #1 Religion museums in Siena #1 Religious buildings in Siena #69 Art & Design in Europe #196 History & Anthropology in Europe #28 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in Europe #27 Person & artist museums in Europe #57 Religion museums in Europe #47 Religious buildings in Europe

#14 Art & Design in Italy #33 History & Anthropology in Italy #8 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in Italy #6 Person & artist museums in Italy #9 Religion museums in Italy #6 Religious buildings in Italy #2 Art & Design in Siena #2 History & Anthropology in Siena #2 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in Siena #1 Religion museums in Siena #1 Religious buildings in Siena #69 Art & Design in Europe #196 History & Anthropology in Europe #28 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in Europe #27 Person & artist museums in Europe #57 Religion museums in Europe #47 Religious buildings in Europe

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Piccolomini Library
Piazza del Duomo 8
53100 Siena

Images of Piccolomini Library

Visitor information Piccolomini Library

Opening hours

March 1 - November 3
Daily
10:00 - 19:00
Holidays
13:30 - 18:00

November 4 - December 24
Daily
10:30 - 17:30
Holidays
13:30 - 17:30

December 26 - January 7
Daily
10:00 -19:00
Holidays
13:30 - 17:30

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Admission

0 – 6Free
7 – 11€3.00

Admission fee for January 1 -June 26, August 1 - 17 and October 17 - December 31: 14 USD
June 27 - July 31 and August 18 - October 16: 16 USD

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Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of Piccolomini Library.

Location & Map

Piazza del Duomo 8, Siena

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Exhibitions

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Piccolomini Library Reviews

Piccolomini Library has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Piccolomini Library, located within the Siena Cathedral in Siena, Italy, is a remarkable showcase of Renaissance art and architecture. Visitors consistently praise the library's stunning frescoes, which cover the walls and ceiling, created by Pinturicchio and his workshop. These vibrant and well-preserved artworks depict scenes from the life of Pope Pius II, offering a visual narrative of 15th-century history.

    Many reviewers highlight the library's relatively small size, noting that it can be explored in a short amount of time. However, they emphasize that the compact space is densely packed with artistic treasures, making it well worth the visit. The intricate details in the frescoes, the colorful illuminated manuscripts, and the overall ornate decoration of the room leave a lasting impression on most visitors.

    Some visitors mention that the library can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons, which may slightly detract from the experience. A few reviewers also note that the lighting conditions can make it challenging to fully appreciate some details of the artwork.

    Despite these minor drawbacks, the majority of visitors find the Piccolomini Library to be a highlight of their visit to Siena Cathedral. They appreciate the historical significance of the space and the opportunity to view such well-preserved Renaissance art up close. Many recommend taking the time to study the frescoes in detail and to learn about the stories they depict.

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