biblioteca piccolomini

I had visited the Archivio di Stato earlier in the day and was totally underwhelmed by the Piccolomini in comparison. Small, overcrowded. Fine for what it is, but the Archvio di Stato, for me, has so much more, including around 60,000 books, (several kilometres worth apparently!)

The Piccolomini Library is located in a side chapel of Siena's Cathedral. A ticket to the Cathedral includes the Library, which is clearly signposted. It can get very busy so you have to walk round in one direction (indicated). It is stunningly beautiful. In Florence and Rome you get used to seeing rooms with lavish frescoes and painted ceilings, but this was the best of all in my opinion. The colours are bright and vivid, and there is a really pretty patchwork quilt effect to the room. There are glass cabinets around the edges and in the middle holding beautifully illustrated manuscripts, which are also great to look at. In fact, everywhere you look from ceiling to floor and all in between, you will see something beautiful.

The images show the life of Pope Pius II.It would be beneficial to have a guide book as i couldn't recognise the figures in the bethrothal of Frederick III to Eleonora of Portugal.in Italy there are frescoes in many churches, but these appear to be in the best possible condition. well done the conservators.The side chapel is on the left hand side of the Duomo.

The frescoes in the library are so pristine and the colors so vivid it is hard to believe that they are over 500 years old and never restored. Do not miss.

Off the north aisle of the Duomo Nuovo, the Piccolomini Library is a treasure of vividly colored 16th century frescoes by Bernardino Pinturicchio. They depict events in the life of Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who became Pope Pius II. Astounding frescoes adorn the walls and in a collection of beautifully illustrated books are displayed around the hall. One of the many superlative sights within the cathedral.

I don't remember if it was necessary to pay more to see the library, but don't miss it! Not much to say: just go and see it by yourself! You won't regret!

Beautifully preserved choir books in cases and a ceiling of color depicting a family history. Amazing color and pictures.

Wonderful colours on ceiling, glowing frescoes - & don't forget to look at the ancient books open in the cases.

Take out the audioguide at the Duomo and make sure not to leave the Piccolomini Library out - very interesting and worth a visit

The most amazing frescoes cover the walls and serve as a stunning backdrop to the gorgeous illustrated manuscripts on display. The ceiling is fantastic too, its well worth visiting and is included with the multi ticket for the Duomo

These are the original? I am not an art lover but this place excited me. If you are in that area it is a do not miss.

There's a combined 12 Euro ticket which gives access(over a three day period) to the Duomo, Baptistery, Crypt and Biblioteca - make sure you go to them all. The Biblioteca is gorgeous, with vivid frescoes and fascinating illuminated manuscripts that are in superb condition.

Small room filled with magnificent illuminated music manuscripts. The ceiling is intricately painted and it is a bright and airy room.

Its amazing, not like any other church i have been to in Italy till now. The floor is beautiful, and they have a huge book, very old in one of the rooms, that i could stay and look at it for hours. Its worth the 7 euros they charge in order to enter!

Absolutely amazing to see these murals and illustrated hymnals. The colours are as fresh as the day they were painted. Go see.