Fondo Antico, Library of the Legal and Political Science Department “Circolo Giuridico”
Fondo Antico, Library of the Legal and Political Science Department “Circolo Giuridico”, is repository of legal history preserved in the Library of the Department of Law at the University of Siena.
The collection includes not only precious manuscripts, but also approximately 10,000 printed works dating from the 15th to the 18th century, mostly focused on legal topics, along with an extraordinary set of 12,000 legal allegazioni (written legal arguments and opinions), offering a window into the development of European legal thought over several centuries.
The guided tour will offer an in-depth overview of the collection, its historical significance, and its role in the tradition of legal education in Siena.
Location: Via Pier Andrea Mattioli, 10, 53100 Siena (SI), Italia
Cost: free
Registration
Economics Library
Explore the intersection of knowledge and history of the Library of the Department of Economics and Statistics at the University of Siena, followed by a rare visit to the Crypt of San Francesco — one of the city’s hidden architectural treasures.
Located in the heart of Siena’s old town, housed in a centuries-old building, the library seamlessly blends modern study spaces with historical architecture. It holds an extensive collection of books, academic journals, and digital resources in economics, statistics, mathematics, and business. Crypt of San Francesco features medieval cross vaults, stone columns, and ancient masonry that reveal layers of architectural history.
Location: Piazza San Francesco, 7, 53100 Siena (SI), Italia
Cost: free
Registration
Public Library “Intronati”
The main public library of Siena and one of the city’s cultural landmarks. Founded in the 18th century and located in a historic building, the library houses precious manuscripts, rare books, and an extensive collection of works covering Siena’s history, art, and literature.
During the tour, you’ll explore the historic reading rooms, admire centuries-old volumes, and discover the story behind one of the oldest and most important cultural institutions in the city.
Location: Via della Spienza, 1-5, 53100 Siena (SI), Italia
Cost: free
Registration
Museum of the “Contrada Priora della Civetta”
Siena is divided into 17 contrade, each with its own history, traditions, and identity. Each contrada has its own museum, preserving photographs and memorabilia, including the “Cencio or Palio or Drappelone”, the banner awarded to the contrada when it wins the “Palio” race. The Drappelone are not only symbols of victory but also true works of art, each created every year by a different artist, some of them internationally renowned. Visiting a contrada museum offers a unique opportunity to experience Sienese culture, discover fascinating stories and arts, and feel the passion of the Palio up close.
Museum website: https://www.contradadellacivetta.it/museo/
Location: Via Cecco Angiolieri, 41, 53100 Siena SI
Cost: 10 EUR (cash payment)
Registration
