Welcome to Piazza Salimbeni, a refined little square in the heart of Siena. At its center stands the statue of Sallustio Bandini, an 18th-century cleric remembered as a pioneer of modern economic thought. The square is framed by three solemn palaces, the most famous being Palazzo Salimbeni, historic headquarters of the Monte dei Paschi di Siena bank. And this isn’t just any bank: founded in 1472, it is considered the oldest still in operation anywhere in the world. At the start, it functioned as a Monte di Pietà, a charitable institution that lent small sums to the poor at minimal interest, far removed from speculation. That social mission left a lasting mark on its identity. Over the centuries, the bank grew into a cornerstone of Siena’s economy and a generous patron of civic life, funding roads, hospitals, research projects, and even the training of horses for the Palio. One curious anecdote dates back to 1624, when the Grand Duke of Tuscany came up with an unusual way to reassure depositors: he guaranteed their money with income from pastures in the Maremma, a coastal region of southern Tuscany. In other words, if the bank faltered, fields and herds would cover the losses, a distant ancestor of today’s deposit insurance schemes. More recently, the Monte dei Paschi weathered the financial crisis, was rescued by the Italian state in 2017, and has since regained its footing, once again reporting profits. Piazza Salimbeni, however, remains serene, a place where history and finance meet in a uniquely Sienese atmosphere. Take a moment to enjoy it before continuing your journey through the city.