The Palazzo delle Papesse is a beautiful historic palace and architectural gem located in the centre of Siena that has a rich and fascinating history and is currently playing host to an equally fascinating exhibition that brings together the art of famous surrealist Salvador Dalí and the thoughts, theories, and discoveries of some of the ground-breaking and world-leading scientists who intrigued him, including Galileo, who once lived for a time in the building after his abjuration. A lesser-known but truly incredible tourist attraction in the historic core of this beautiful city, it is a must-see for those who browse our Tuscany villas and then find a vacation rental in Siena.
Built by the will of Pope Pius II 's sister, Caterina Piccolomini, the house remains named, “delle Papesse,” for these origins to this day. Likely produced according to designs by Pope Pius II’s favourite architect, Bernardo Rossellino, between 1460 and 1595, it is built in the Florentine style with a heavy rusticated ground floor and lighter travertine-faced upper floors with two rows of mullioned windows. Two Piccolomini coats of arms adorn the facade and this use of the Florentine style is, in of itself, a statement of who the family was and their associations. The palace remained home to this noble family – who were known to be the bankers to the papal court and were one of the most powerful and wealthiest families in Siena – from the 12th century, until the end of the 17th century, when the family line officially died out.
From this point on, the building was rented to the Collegio Tolomei, a school for young nobles, until the beginning of the 19th century and then became property of the state and was used for government offices and then a State Archive until 1858. In 1884, the palace was bought by the Banca d’Italia and remained home to the Siena branch for 100 years. Restorations were undertaken by the bank and, in 1998, the building was reopened as a Contemporary Art Center that was then ultimately closed in 2008. Though Banca d’Italia put the building up for sale several years ago, they are now collaborating with the Comune di Siena and other organisations to run the, “Salvador Dalí Siena: da Galileo Galilei al Surrealismo,” exhibition in the space today, which is due to remain open to the public until April 2023.
This rather unique and totally intriguing exhibition highlights Dalí's keen and guiding interest in science and displays some of his artworks that followed this passion and were inspired by and dealt with ideas of physics and mathematics through his specific surrealist lens; playing with ideas of space, time, and gravity in his painted and sculpted worlds. In addition, the work and discoveries of everyone from Newton, to former resident of the building Galileo, to some of the most significant physicists who were working in the twentieth century, meanwhile, is displayed and explained alongside these mind-bending works of art, giving them further context and explanation. So, if you are interested in science yourself, or in art, or in the ways in which the two intersect, or in all of the above, then be sure to check out this fascinating exhibition and to take this special opportunity to see some extraordinary works by the famous artist in some rather lovely and historic surroundings while you enjoy a vacation in Siena.
Browse our incredible selection of villas in Siena today and then be sure to plan your trip before next April in order to come and catch this special exhibition in the city for yourself during your next holiday in Tuscany.
