The Piccolomini Library

The Cathedral of Siena, the Duomo is one of the most beautiful works of art in the world, a beauty that extends and multiplies exponentially as soon as we enter in one of the most evocative and exciting environments of the Church: The Piccolini Library .

The Library, in addition to preserving magnificent handwritten manuscripts , is home to a collection of frescoes by Pinturicchio and some of his students as a very young and immense Raffaello Sanzio .

The frescoes that denote an absolute mastery of perspective and detail are a profound expression of joy for the eyes and the soul with walls that depict the life of Pope Pius 2nd in 10 main scenes .

It goes from his appointment as ambassador of the European Courts until he introduced Eleonora to Frederick 3 ° and received first the position of cardinal and then that of Pope.

The ceiling is the most compelling and evocative part with frescoes in gold, blue and red intervals by numerous half-moons , symbol of the Piccolomini family, whose most shining representative was Enea Silvio Piccolomini, the conciliator between Emperor Frederick 3rd and the State of the Church.

The Library itself was conceived by a Piccolini, the nephew who in turn became Pope with the name of Pope Pius 3rd.

In the Library you can finally admire a copy of the Three Graces of Ancient Rome , a manifestation of perfection and the ideals that animate the entire Cathedral.

The Cathedral of Siena and its Piccolomini Library is very close to every hotel in the center of Siena, among which the Hotel Minerva stands out, our starred hotel with indoor parking for a fee, a hotel in the center of Siena in a non-ZTL zone and just a few minutes walk from the train and bus station.

The Minerva is the ideal choice if you want comfort and in addition offers of the magnificent rooms with panoramic views of the Center of Siena , a unique emotion that will bring you home together with the infinite magic of this Tuscan city .