Archivio di Stato di Siena

(State Archives of Siena)
It is probably one of Siena’s best kept secrets; a completely free museum that is open in the morning for tours at 9.30, 10.30 and 11.30. Only!But it is worth it to see the remarkable collection of city records and pre-renaissance art works, not to mention one of the best views of the Piazza del Campo.
This is the archives maintained by the city of Siena from the Middle Ages, a repository not just for records but for artworks and historical documents as well. Of particular interest are the “biccherne,” commissioned art works which decorated the covers of each city ledger.
These decorative covers were commissioned by prestigious local artists of the day, often representing religious themes or events of historical significance. Now kept in special climate controlled cases that protect against light, they are in remarkable condition, the rich jewel tones still shining bright.
By the middle of the 15th century these paintings moved from being merely decorative covers to being full fledged paintings by the best local artists of the day. Paintings done to commemorate important battles and events in the city’s history.
In addition to the city and hospital records,, there is a remarkable collection of historical documents, including an original constitution which was the first constitution in the world written in the common language, instead of Latin. This constitution was once kept in the public, chained to a table, so common citizens could come and read the laws.
There is also an exhibition of historical documents which reference characters mentioned in Dante’s Inferno, included in it, the will of Bocaccio, one of Italy’s most famous poets.

This post is also available in: Italian