Palazzo Chigi Saracini

The Palazzo Chigi Saracini, in Siena

The Palazzo Chigi Saracini is an elegant medieval palace of Siena, recognisable by its long curved Gothic façade. The Siena audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this historic residence, today the seat of a famous music academy.

The Gothic palace of the music academy

Easily recognisable by its long slightly curved Gothic façade, the Palazzo Chigi Saracini recalls from afar the emblematic Palazzo Pubblico, even if their history differs totally. Its construction dates back to the twelfth century, under the impulse of the powerful Marescotti family, whose emblem, an eagle with spread wings, still figures above each window. In 1770, Marcantonio Saracini bought the palace and undertook several transformations. More than a century later, in 1877, it passed into the hands of the Chigi Saracini family, who durably marked its destiny. Count Guido Chigi Saracini, a great patron and music lover, founded there in the twentieth century the Accademia Musicale Chigiana, a music academy of international renown. Still today, the palace hosts concerts, masterclasses and a rich art collection. A witness of the history of Siena and a high place of musical life, the Palazzo Chigi Saracini is a fine stop of the discovery of the town.

What to see

You admire the elegant palace with a long curved Gothic façade, built from the twelfth century by the Marescotti family whose eagle figures above the windows, bought by the Saracini in 1770 then the Chigi Saracini, who founded there the Accademia Musicale Chigiana, a music academy of international renown. The Palazzo Chigi Saracini is a high musical place of Siena. It is a stop to be discovered, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Palazzo Chigi Saracini lies in the heart of the historic centre of Siena, reachable on foot. You admire its façade from the street; the interior access, the concerts and the art collection follow their own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming.

What does the Palazzo Chigi Saracini of Siena shelter today?

The Accademia Musicale Chigiana, a music academy of international renown founded by Count Guido Chigi Saracini; this palace with a long curved Gothic façade, built from the twelfth century by the Marescotti, hosts concerts, masterclasses and a rich art collection.

Where is the Palazzo Chigi Saracini of Siena?

In the heart of the historic centre of Siena, in Tuscany, in Italy.