English
English
Discover the Enchating History and Frecoes of the Piccolomini Library
Contents
Piccolomini Library | Quick Facts
Location: Piazza del Duomo in Siena, Italy
Construction start date: 1492
Construction completion date: 1502
Materials used: Marble and stone
Notable features: Ceiling frescoes, fresco cycles of the life of Pope Pius II, manuscripts, and codices.
Why Visit Piccolomini Library?
- Rich collection of manuscripts: The Piccolomini Library of the Siena Cathedral is home to a vast collection of codices from the 15th century and medieval period which are displayed in glass cabinets.
- Artistic grandeur: The Piccolomini Library is known for its breathtaking Renaissance frescoes painted by Pinturicchio and his assistants, depicting scenes from the life of Pope Pius II, for whom the library was built.
- Historical significance: The library is a reflection of the cultural and intellectual interests of a Sienese Pope making it a valuable historical repository.
- Architectural splendor: The Piccolomini Library is housed in a magnificent room with vaulted ceilings and intricate decorations, making it a sight to behold.
Plan Your Visit to the Piccolomini Library
When Can I Visit the Piccolomini Library?
Where is the Piccolomini Library?
From 1 April to 31 October: 10 AM – 7:00 PM
From 1 November to 31 March: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
From 26 December to 6 January: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
The Piccolomini Library and the Cathedral close early on public holidays and Sundays.
Last Entry: The last admission to the Piccolomini Library is 30 minutes before closing
Best Time to Visit: The Piccolomini Library is best enjoyed in the early mornings when you can avoid crowds. Visit the library on a weekday since the Cathedral and the Library see a lot of visitors on the weekends. A number of services are also held on the weekends and it is also best to avoid visiting during this time.
All Siena Cathedral Opening Hours
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 8, 53100 Siena SI, Italy
The Piccolomini Library is located inside the Siena Cathedral and can be accessed from the nave.
Highlights of the Piccolomini Library
The Three Graces
In the center of the library, you will find the magnificent sculpture of the Three Graces. The Three Graces is a sculpture of three women in the nude who represent the daughters of Zeus. It is a 2nd-century copy of the original piece. The sculpture was discovered in the middle of the 15th century and purchased by Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini (Pope Pius III), from Cardinal Prospero Colonna in Rome. After his death, it is said that many non-secular people, including a pope, took offence to the nudity displayed in the statue. However, being a lover of art, the wishes of Pope Pius III were respected and statue's place in the Piccolomini Library was secured as a work of art in a secular room.
The Life of Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini
There are ten episodic wall paintings in the Piccolomini Library that depict the life and career of Enea Silvio Bartolomeo Piccolomini, to whom the library is dedicated to. Some of the paintings depict a young Piccolomini leaving for the Council of Basil. In another, he is named as the imperial poet by Frederick III and Piccolomini as a cardinal. One fresco describes his ascension to Pope Pius II and another shows him announcing the launch of a crusade. The cycles of frescoes are done in the Renaissance style and is known for elaborate use of characters and landscapes. It took Pinturicchio seven years to complete the fresco cycle. It is said that Raphael, who was then an apprentice of Pinturicchio, was often used as a model for various characters in the frescoes.
Illuminated Codices
The books of the Aeneas Piccolomini were ultimately never transferred to the library from Rome. What was brought over, however, was a group of 15th-century codices and illuminated manuscripts that included hymnals and liturgical books. They are masterfully illustrated by Italian illustrators like Girolamo da Cremona and Liberale da Verona from the north of Italy and by other Sienese artists. The collection of manuscripts are so extensive that they provide a complete overview of manuscript illumination in the 15th century which was the craft of painting manuscripts (usually made of animal skin) with precious metals such as silver, gold, and in other bright colors.
Ceiling Frescoes
The frescoes on the vaulted ceiling contain elaborate detailing in every frame. The images are reinterpretations of classical themes in the Renaissance style. On the smaller panels, one notes the use of Roman mythological figures such as satyrs and sea monsters as the subjects of the frescoes instead of the usual biblical characters and events. They are bordered with intricate patterns and floral motifs. On the ceiling, you will find the celebrated frescoes of Diana Falling in Love with Endymion and The Rape of Proserpina. Above the bronze door leading to the library, there is a fantastic fresco depicting the coronation of Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini as Pope Pius III that is worth viewing.
The History of the Piccolomini Library In a Nutshell
Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini was born to a noble yet impoverished family in the Republic of Siena in 1405. He became a trusted servant of Emperor Frederick III and a mediator between him and the Papal State. He was rewarded as being made first the Bishop of Siena and then the pope, naming himself Pope Pius II. While in Rome, Piccolomini, being a humanist and man of great intellectual curiosity put together a formidable collection of books and manuscripts. His nephew Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini, who was first a cardinal and then became a pope himself, decided to erect a library in 1492 to honor his uncle and preserve the collection of manuscripts. His inspiration comes from the French tradition of building libraries attached to Cathedrals. The frescoes of the library were completed between 1503 and 1508 by the Umbrian painter Bernardino di Betto, better known as Pinturicchio.
Book Tickets to Siena Cathedral
Combo (Save 2%): Siena Duomo Tickets + San Gimignano Museum Pass
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
More details
€24.5
All Your Questions About the Piccolomini Library Answered
What is the Piccolomini Library?
The Piccolomini Library is a library located in the Siena Cathedral complex in Siena, Italy, housing a collection of valuable manuscripts and decorated with elaborate frescoes.
Do I need tickets to visit Piccolomini Library?
Yes, visitors need a ticket to enter the Piccolomini Library.
Where is the Piccolomini Library located?
The Piccolomini Library is located in the Siena Cathedral complex, in the city of Siena, Tuscany, Italy.
What is the significance of the Piccolomini Library?
The Piccolomini Library is significant for preserving the legacies of Pope Pius II and Pope Pius III, two popes of Sienese origin through a collection of manuscripts, as well as its Renaissance frescoes.
When was the Piccolomini Library built?
The Piccolomini Library was built in the late 15th century starting in 1492 and ending in 1502.
Is the Piccolomini Library still in use today?
Yes, the Piccolomini Library is still in use today as a museum and cultural site.
Where can I buy Piccolomini Library tickets?
Tickets for the Piccolomini Library can be purchased at the ticket office of the cathedral or preferably online.
Can I visit Piccolomini Library with Siena Cathedral tickets?
Yes, access to the Piccolomini Library comes as a standard feature with entry tickets to the Siena Cathedral.
What are the famous features of the Piccolomini Library?
The famous features of the Piccolomini Library include its Renaissance frescoes by Pinturicchio and its collection of rare illuminated manuscripts.
Why is the Piccolomini Library a must-visit?
The Piccolomini Library is a must-visit for its historical, cultural, and religious significance, as well as for its impressive collection of manuscripts and frescoes.
