Palazzo Piccolomini, Siena

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Coordinates: 43°19′09″N11°19′58″E / 43.319058°N 11.332813°E / 43.319058; 11.332813

Geographic coordinate system Coordinate system

A geographic coordinate system is a coordinate system that enables every location on Earth to be specified by a set of numbers, letters or symbols. The coordinates are often chosen such that one of the numbers represents a vertical position and two or three of the numbers represent a horizontal position; alternatively, a geographic position may be expressed in a combined three-dimensional Cartesian vector. A common choice of coordinates is latitude, longitude and elevation. To specify a location on a plane requires a map projection.

Palazzo Piccolomini 824SienaPalPiccolomini.JPG
Palazzo Piccolomini

The Palazzo Piccolomini, also known as the Palazzo Todeschini Piccolomini is a Renaissance-style palace in the city of Siena, region of Tuscany, Italy. It is located on the Banchi di Sotto, at the corner with Via Rinaldini; uphill and west of the church of San Martino, the Loggia del Papa, and the Palazzo delle Papesse, which also built by a Piccolomini family member.

Renaissance architecture architectural style

Renaissance architecture is the European architecture of the period between the early 14th and early 16th centuries in different regions, demonstrating a conscious revival and development of certain elements of ancient Greek and Roman thought and material culture. Stylistically, Renaissance architecture followed Gothic architecture and was succeeded by Baroque architecture. Developed first in Florence, with Filippo Brunelleschi as one of its innovators, the Renaissance style quickly spread to other Italian cities. The style was carried to France, Germany, England, Russia and other parts of Europe at different dates and with varying degrees of impact.

Siena Comune in Tuscany, Italy

Siena is a city in Tuscany, Italy. It is the capital of the province of Siena.

Tuscany Region of Italy

Tuscany is a region in central Italy with an area of about 23,000 square kilometres and a population of about 3.8 million inhabitants (2013). The regional capital is Florence (Firenze).

History

The palace was erected by Giacomo and Andrea Piccolomini, nephews of Pope Pius II; the designs were requested from Bernardo Rossellino. Construction proceeded between 1460 and 1495. The palace recalls the Palazzi Medici Riccardi and Ruccellai in Florence, with the rough ashlar block surface and mullioned windows. The sculptural additions were completed by Antonio Federighi and Urbano da Cortona. [1]

Pope Pius II pope

Pope Pius II, born Enea Silvio Bartolomeo Piccolomini was Pope from 19 August 1458 to his death in 1464. He was born at Corsignano in the Sienese territory of a noble but impoverished family. His longest and most enduring work is the story of his life, the Commentaries, which is the only autobiography ever written by a reigning pope.

Bernardo Rossellino Italian artist

Bernardo di Matteo del Borra Gamberelli, better known as Bernardo Rossellino, was an Italian sculptor and architect, the elder brother of the sculptor Antonio Rossellino. As a member of the second generation of Renaissance artists, he helped to further define and popularize the revolution in artistic approach that characterized the new age.

Antonio Federighi Italian architect

Antonio Federighi was an Italian architect and sculptor of the Renaissance period. He was born and active mainly in Siena, Italy.

Above entrance, coat of arms of Piccolomini (Papal tiara and keys with tassel, plus shield with 5 crescents on a cross) Palazzo piccolomini, siena, 02 stemma piccolomini pio II.jpg
Above entrance, coat of arms of Piccolomini (Papal tiara and keys with tassel, plus shield with 5 crescents on a cross)

The palace was bought and refurbished by the Bank of Italy in 1884.

The Piano Nobile received some neo-Renaissance frescoes in the 19th century. The architect was Augusto Corbi. It now serves as a contemporary art gallery and museum. In the second floor, a terrace faces the roofs of the medieval town offering a great view of the Duomo, while on the highest point of the palace a rooftop loggia offers a view of the surrounding landscape. [2]

There is also a Gothic-style Palazzo Piccolomini-Clementini across the street on Via di Banchi Sotto #75.

Gothic architecture style of architecture

Gothic architecture is a style that flourished in Europe during the High and Late Middle Ages. It evolved from Romanesque architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance architecture. Originating in 12th-century France, it was widely used, especially for cathedrals and churches, until the 16th century.

Palazzo Piccolomini-Clementini Palace in Siena

The Palazzo Piccolomini-Clementini is a Gothic-style palace located on Via Banchi di Sotto #75 in the city of Siena, region of Tuscany, Italy. It is located across the street from the more imposing Renaissance-style Palazzo Piccolomini and the Loggia del Papa. The nearby Palazzo delle Papesse was also built by a Piccolomini family member.

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References

  1. Guida di Siena e dei suoi dintorni, Enrico Torrini, editor (1907) page 73.
  2. Saatchi Gallery entry on Palace.