{"id":22160,"date":"2026-01-08T18:19:43","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T17:19:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/?page_id=22160"},"modified":"2026-01-08T18:19:44","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T17:19:44","slug":"palazzo-salimbeni-history-and-curiosities-of-monte-dei-paschis-headquarters","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/en\/palazzo-salimbeni-history-and-curiosities-of-monte-dei-paschis-headquarters\/","title":{"rendered":"Palazzo Salimbeni: history and curiosities of Monte dei Paschi\u2019s headquarters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Introduction: an austere palace that hides 700&nbsp;years of stories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Palazzo&nbsp;Salimbeni, sometimes called <strong>Rocca&nbsp;Salimbeni<\/strong>, is one of the most distinctive buildings in Siena\u2019s historic centre. Although slightly set back from the main streets, this fortress\u2011like gothic palace stands in <strong>Piazza&nbsp;Salimbeni<\/strong> and serves as the historic headquarters of the <strong>Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena (MPS)<\/strong>. Founded in 1472 as a <em>Monte di Piet\u00e0<\/em> (charitable pawnshop) to lend money at low interest rates to citizens in difficulty , the institution adopted the name <strong>Monte dei Paschi<\/strong> in 1624 when the Grand Duke pledged revenues from the state pastures (<em>paschi<\/em>) of the Maremma as collateral . This guide traces the story of Palazzo&nbsp;Salimbeni and the bank, answers frequently asked questions, and explains how to visit it. It also suggests staying at <strong>Hotel&nbsp;Minerva<\/strong> as a convenient base for exploring Siena .<\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"display: flex; justify-content: center;\">\u00a0<\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Hotel Minerva   Full 4K ITA\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/AW3LygfbUKw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Historical origins and the Salimbeni family<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When was Palazzo&nbsp;Salimbeni built?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The building dates from the <strong>14th&nbsp;century<\/strong>. It was erected as a fortified residence by the <strong>Salimbeni<\/strong> family by enlarging a pre\u2011existing 12th\u201313th\u2011century <strong>castellare<\/strong> (fortified manor) . Parts of the original fortress, such as a truncated tower and brick walls at the rear, are still visible today .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who were the Salimbeni?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Salimbeni were a wealthy noble family active in Siena in the 13th and 14th&nbsp;centuries. Initially aligned with the imperialist Ghibelline faction, they rivalled the Tolomei family and amassed a fortune through grain and spice trading and early banking activities . Palazzo&nbsp;Salimbeni became their stronghold for nearly two centuries . The house welcomed illustrious guests: Emperor <strong>Charles&nbsp;IV of Luxembourg<\/strong> stayed here in 1355, and Charles of Valois (brother of the French king) visited half a century earlier . However, family fortunes declined due to conflicts with the city government; in <strong>1419<\/strong> the Republic of Siena confiscated the palace, ending the Salimbeni\u2019s domination .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From castellare to bank headquarters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After the expropriation the building took on civic functions: part of it served as a customs office and tax house in the 15th&nbsp;century, while from <strong>1472<\/strong> it housed the newly founded <strong>Monte Pio<\/strong>, the original <em>Monte di Piet\u00e0<\/em> . Over subsequent centuries the palace underwent various adaptations. The decisive change came with Italian unification: in <strong>1866<\/strong> the <strong>Monte dei Paschi di Siena<\/strong> purchased the building, having absorbed Monte&nbsp;Pio and becoming a modern bank . Architect <strong>Giuseppe&nbsp;Partini<\/strong> remodelled the palace between 1877 and 1880: he raised some parts, demolished or rebuilt other wings, and gave the entire fa\u00e7ade a <strong>neo\u2011gothic<\/strong> makeover to evoke Siena\u2019s glorious medieval past . Partini also modified the adjacent palazzi Tantucci and Spannocchi, creating a unified scenic ensemble .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Later interventions included a restoration at the start of the 20th&nbsp;century by <strong>Carlo&nbsp;Ariotti<\/strong> and <strong>Vittorio&nbsp;Mariani<\/strong> . For the bank\u2019s 500th anniversary in 1972, architect <strong>Pierluigi&nbsp;Spadolini<\/strong> modernised the interior while highlighting medieval structures: he recovered hidden elements, highlighted the original tower and inserted a dramatic elliptical staircase of reinforced concrete and wood at its base . Spadolini also created a permanent display of silk banners embroidered by Siena\u2019s contrade (districts) in gratitude for the bank\u2019s support of the Palio . The former church of San&nbsp;Donato, adjacent to the palace, was restored as a conference hall and gallery .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Piazza&nbsp;Salimbeni and architectural features<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Neo\u2011gothic fa\u00e7ade<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Although it appears as an authentic medieval castle, Palazzo&nbsp;Salimbeni\u2019s present fa\u00e7ade is largely the result of Partini\u2019s 19th\u2011century reconstruction. It features:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Trifore windows<\/strong> (triple lancet windows) framed by pointed arches and topped by a continuous battlement .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A string course of blind arches running under the merlons, inspired by the 14th\u2011century Gothic style of Siena\u2019s <strong>Palazzo\u00a0Pubblico<\/strong> .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No door at street level; instead, a small flight of steps leads to a raised Gothic portal, and the ground\u2011floor windows are set high above the street . Along with the heavy wooden door, these elements recall the building\u2019s original defensive function .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Piazza&nbsp;Salimbeni<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Palazzo&nbsp;Salimbeni stands in a small square set back from Via&nbsp;Banchi di Sopra. The square is enclosed on three sides by the palaces Salimbeni, Tantucci and Spannocchi. In the centre rises the <strong>statue of Sallustio&nbsp;Bandini<\/strong>, an 18th\u2011century economist and precursor of liberal theories, holding a book . Sculpted by <strong>Tito&nbsp;Sarrocchi<\/strong> in 1882, the statue commemorates Bandini\u2019s donation of his library to Siena . At night the square is beautifully illuminated, highlighting the neo\u2011gothic fa\u00e7ades and creating an atmospheric scene .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The square\u2019s other palaces:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Palazzo\u00a0Tantucci<\/strong> (on the left when facing Salimbeni) \u2013 built in the 16th\u00a0century for the noble Tantucci family from Montepulciano; later used as a customs house and now offices of MPS .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Palazzo\u00a0Spannocchi<\/strong> (on the right) \u2013 constructed in 1473 for banker Ambrogio Spannocchi by <strong>Giuliano da Maiano<\/strong>. Partini restored it in the 19th\u00a0century to harmonise with the other buildings . Its fa\u00e7ade is adorned with sculpted heads depicting famous figures and Roman emperors \u2013 an unusual decorative feature for a banking palace .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visiting Palazzo&nbsp;Salimbeni: practical information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because Palazzo&nbsp;Salimbeni remains an active bank headquarters, it cannot be visited freely like a museum. However, the bank opens its doors <strong>three times a year<\/strong>, offering free guided tours :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>2\u00a0July<\/strong> (morning) \u2013 for the Palio in honour of the Madonna di Provenzano .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>15\u00a0August<\/strong> (morning) \u2013 the eve of the Palio dell\u2019Assunta .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>First Saturday in October<\/strong> \u2013 during the national event \u201cInvito\u00a0a\u00a0Palazzo\u201d, when many Italian banks open their historic headquarters .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Tours are free and led by knowledgeable guides (often MPS staff). Visitors should arrive early (around 8:30) to queue, as admission is on a first\u2011come basis and visiting hours are typically 9:00\u201312:30 . During the tour you can see:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The historic offices of the <strong>Director<\/strong> and <strong>President<\/strong> with period furnishings and painted ceilings .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Galleria\u00a0Peruzziana<\/strong>, an elegant glass\u2011roofed corridor that was once an open loggia .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Pinacoteca<\/strong> and <strong>Museo di San\u00a0Donato<\/strong> (housed in the deconsecrated church) where part of the bank\u2019s art collection is displayed. The MPS collection specialises in Sienese art from the 13th to the 19th\u00a0centuries, with works by <strong>Jacopo\u00a0della\u00a0Quercia, Pietro\u00a0Lorenzetti, Sano\u00a0di\u00a0Pietro, Domenico\u00a0Beccafumi, Sassetta, Rutilio\u00a0Manetti, Francesco\u00a0Vanni<\/strong> and others . Visitors can also see illuminated manuscripts, coins and other precious objects .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Historical Archive<\/strong>, which preserves original documents such as ledgers, credit certificates and diplomas dating back to the bank\u2019s founding . During special tours even restricted areas like the vault or council chamber may be shown .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A complete visit lasts about <strong>30\u201340&nbsp;minutes<\/strong> and offers a unique glimpse into Siena\u2019s economic and artistic heritage .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting there<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Piazza\u00a0Salimbeni\u00a01, along Via\u00a0Banchi di Sopra in the heart of Siena .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>By foot:<\/strong> from Piazza\u00a0del\u00a0Campo it is a five\u2011minute walk north along Banchi di Sopra . From Piazza\u00a0Tolomei or Via\u00a0di\u00a0Citt\u00e0 it is also just a few minutes away.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>By train:<\/strong> the railway station is about 1.5\u00a0km away. You can take an urban bus to Piazza\u00a0Gramsci (two minutes\u2019 walk from Salimbeni) or use the escalator from the Porta\u00a0Siena shopping centre to San\u00a0Domenico and walk 10\u00a0minutes .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>By car:<\/strong> the square lies in a pedestrianised Zone a Traffico Limitato (ZTL), so you cannot drive there. Leave your car at car parks such as <strong>Parcheggio Santa\u00a0Caterina<\/strong> or <strong>Parcheggio Stadio\/Fortezza<\/strong> and walk 10\u00a0minutes . Alternatively, staying at <strong>Hotel\u00a0Minerva<\/strong> provides a private car park and a short ten\u2011minute walk to Palazzo\u00a0Salimbeni .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hotel&nbsp;Minerva: a perfect base<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"759\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"19157\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20241130_113503-759x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19157\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20241130_113503-759x1024.jpg 759w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20241130_113503-222x300.jpg 222w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20241130_113503-768x1036.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20241130_113503-1000x1349.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20241130_113503-700x944.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20241130_113503.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 759px) 100vw, 759px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"15768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-700x466.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"15684\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15684\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-700x466.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"15726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15726\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-700x466.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"1510\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Camere-Elegant-Vista-Hotel-Siena-Centro-002-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Camere Elegant Vista Hotel Siena Centro\" class=\"wp-image-1510\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Camere-Elegant-Vista-Hotel-Siena-Centro-002.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Camere-Elegant-Vista-Hotel-Siena-Centro-002-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"732\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Camere-Elegant-Vista-Hotel-Siena-Centro-02-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-732\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Camere-Elegant-Vista-Hotel-Siena-Centro-02.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Camere-Elegant-Vista-Hotel-Siena-Centro-02-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Camere-Elegant-Vista-Hotel-Siena-Centro-02-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"656\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Hotel-Vista-Siena-Centro-02-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Camere con Vista Hotel Siena Centro\" class=\"wp-image-656\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Hotel-Vista-Siena-Centro-02.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Hotel-Vista-Siena-Centro-02-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Hotel-Vista-Siena-Centro-02-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" data-id=\"243\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Camere.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-243\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Camere.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Camere-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The article explains why <strong>Hotel&nbsp;Minerva<\/strong> is an ideal base for discovering Siena :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Easy access by car:<\/strong> the hotel sits just outside the ZTL but within the medieval walls, offering a private covered parking garage .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Central yet quiet:<\/strong> Piazza\u00a0del\u00a0Campo is a 15\u2011minute walk; the Duomo about 17\u00a0minutes; the Fortezza\u00a0Medicea 13\u00a0minutes; Palazzo\u00a0Salimbeni only 10\u00a0minutes; and the railway station 1\u00a0km away . The hotel\u2019s location makes it possible to return during the day for a rest or to drop off shopping .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Historic charm and modern comfort:<\/strong> the 3\u2011star hotel blends traditional terracotta floors, exposed wooden beams and local art with modern amenities such as air\u2011conditioning, high\u2011speed Wi\u2011Fi and satellite TV . Many rooms offer panoramic views over Siena\u2019s rooftops .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Warm hospitality:<\/strong> the 24\u2011hour reception staff are known for their friendliness and expertise; they can suggest hidden itineraries, local restaurants and Palio stories . Breakfast includes homemade cakes, fresh Tuscan bread, jams, fruit, cold cuts and cheeses, served in the breakfast room or on a panoramic terrace ; room service is available for a small fee .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Facilities:<\/strong> there is an internal bar, a relaxing lounge with art books, a meeting room with natural light, free high\u2011speed Wi\u2011Fi throughout and services such as laundry and tour reservations . The hotel is also a convenient base for day trips thanks to its proximity to the station and the Siena\u2013Bettolle motorway . It lies in the <strong>Contrada della Lupa<\/strong>, so visitors during the Palio can feel part of this district .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Distances from Hotel&nbsp;Minerva<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Place<\/th><th>Walking time from Hotel&nbsp;Minerva<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Piazza&nbsp;del&nbsp;Campo<\/td><td>~15&nbsp;minutes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Duomo<\/td><td>~17&nbsp;minutes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Torre del&nbsp;Mangia \/ Palazzo&nbsp;Pubblico<\/td><td>~15&nbsp;minutes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Basilica di San&nbsp;Domenico<\/td><td>~10&nbsp;minutes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Palazzo&nbsp;Salimbeni<\/td><td>~10&nbsp;minutes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fortezza&nbsp;Medicea<\/td><td>~13&nbsp;minutes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Siena railway station<\/td><td>~15&nbsp;minutes (1&nbsp;km)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to see in Siena<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The article offers an extensive list of places to visit. Key highlights include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Piazza\u00a0del\u00a0Campo:<\/strong> the shell\u2011shaped heart of Siena where the Palio is run. The square is lined with medieval palaces and dominated by the red\u2011brick <strong>Palazzo\u00a0Pubblico<\/strong> and the 88\u2011m <strong>Torre del\u00a0Mangia<\/strong>; in the centre is the <strong>Fonte\u00a0Gaia<\/strong> . Nine sectors of the piazza symbolise the historic government of the Nine .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duomo di Siena (Cathedral):<\/strong> a masterpiece of Italian Gothic with a richly decorated fa\u00e7ade of white, dark green and red marble. Inside are alternating black\u2011and\u2011white columns, frescoed vaults, Pinturicchio\u2019s <strong>Piccolomini Library<\/strong> and the unique inlaid marble floor (open only at certain times). Works by <strong>Michelangelo, Donatello, Bernini<\/strong> and others fill the church. Nearby are the Baptistry and the <strong>Museo dell\u2019Opera<\/strong>; climbing the unfinished <em>Facciatone<\/em> offers panoramic views .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Santa\u00a0Maria della Scala:<\/strong> the former medieval hospital opposite the Duomo, now a museum complex with frescoed pilgrims\u2019 halls and a variety of collections .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Basilica of San\u00a0Domenico:<\/strong> a brick church that houses the relics of Saint Catherine of Siena and Sodoma\u2019s frescoes .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Palazzo\u00a0Tolomei:<\/strong> one of Siena\u2019s oldest private palaces (13th\u00a0century) on Piazza\u00a0Tolomei; it still bears its austere merlons and now houses a bank .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Loggia della Mercanzia:<\/strong> a 15th\u2011century loggia at the <em>Croce del Travaglio<\/em> crossroads where Sienese merchants met; it features Renaissance sculptures .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Palazzo Chigi\u2011Saracini:<\/strong> an elegant palazzo on Via\u00a0di\u00a0Citt\u00e0 with a curved fa\u00e7ade. Once the residence of noble families, it now houses the Accademia Musicale Chigiana. Guided tours or concerts allow entry to its art\u2011filled rooms .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Museo Civico:<\/strong> inside the Palazzo\u00a0Pubblico, home to Lorenzetti\u2019s \u201cGood and Bad Government\u201d frescoes and the <em>Maest\u00e0<\/em> by Simone\u00a0Martini; climbing the Torre del\u00a0Mangia rewards visitors with sweeping views .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Orto de\u2019 Pecci:<\/strong> a green retreat behind Piazza\u00a0del\u00a0Campo with gardens, farm animals and a restaurant .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Other sights include the Basilica di San Francesco, the Pinacoteca Nazionale, the Sanctuary of Saint Catherine, the Synagogue and the Ghetto .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Excursions around Siena<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have several days, the article recommends exploring the surrounding area. <strong>Hotel&nbsp;Minerva<\/strong> serves as a perfect base. Suggested excursions include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>San\u00a0Gimignano:<\/strong> UNESCO\u2011listed town famous for its 14 medieval towers; enjoy the historic squares and the local Vernaccia wine .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Monteriggioni:<\/strong> a small walled village with 14 round towers, evoking Dante\u2019s descriptions; it is 15\u00a0km from Siena and hosts a medieval festival in summer .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Colle di Val d\u2019Elsa:<\/strong> known for its crystal production; explore the medieval upper town and nearby natural waterfalls on the River Elsa .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chianti Classico:<\/strong> the hilly region between Siena and Florence, dotted with vineyards and castles such as Castello di Brolio. Follow the SR222 road through Castellina, Radda and Gaiole in Chianti, stopping for wine tastings .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Val\u00a0d\u2019Orcia:<\/strong> UNESCO landscape south of Siena with hill\u2011top towns like <strong>Pienza<\/strong>, <strong>Montalcino<\/strong>, <strong>San\u00a0Quirico d\u2019Orcia<\/strong> and thermal villages like <strong>Bagno\u00a0Vignoni<\/strong>; an hour\u2019s drive away .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Arezzo and Cortona:<\/strong> to the east, renowned for Piero della Francesca frescoes and Etruscan\u2011medieval charm .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Florence and Pisa:<\/strong> major Tuscan cities reachable in a day; Florence is 1\u00bc\u00a0hours by bus or car and offers Renaissance treasures, while Pisa (two hours via Empoli) captivates with the Leaning Tower and lively riverfront .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A stay in Siena can therefore combine medieval art, scenic drives, wine tastings and cultural excursions .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Palazzo&nbsp;Salimbeni is a symbol of Siena\u2019s blend of tradition and innovation: a 14th\u2011century fortress transformed over centuries into the headquarters of the world\u2019s oldest bank. Even if you cannot enter its halls, pausing in Piazza&nbsp;Salimbeni allows you to sense the weight of history and admire the neo\u2011gothic fa\u00e7ade and Bandini statue . Plan your visit during one of the special openings to discover its art collections and archives, and use <strong>Hotel&nbsp;Minerva<\/strong> as your base to explore both the city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside . Between a stroll through Siena\u2019s medieval streets and a tasting of local sweets like <em>ricciarelli<\/em> and <em>panforte<\/em> , you will experience the rich tapestry of art, banking history, gastronomy and hospitality that defines this unique city .<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction: an austere palace that hides 700&nbsp;years of stories Palazzo&nbsp;Salimbeni, sometimes called Rocca&nbsp;Salimbeni, is one of the most distinctive buildings<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-22160","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Palazzo Salimbeni: history and curiosities of Monte dei Paschi\u2019s headquarters - Hotel Minerva Siena<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/en\/palazzo-salimbeni-history-and-curiosities-of-monte-dei-paschis-headquarters\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Palazzo Salimbeni: history and curiosities of Monte dei Paschi\u2019s headquarters - 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