Palazzo Salimbeni Siena
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Palazzo Salimbeni Siena

4.6
·3k reviews·Siena, Italy

Home to the world's oldest bank, this neo-Gothic palazzo and its elegant piazza offer a serene glimpse into Siena's rich financial and architectural h...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best for architectural viewing

CrowdMedium
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Palazzo Salimbeni Siena

Palazzo Salimbeni Siena

Best Time

Daytime

Best for architectural viewing

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Home to the world's oldest bank, this neo-Gothic palazzo and its elegant piazza offer a serene glimpse into Siena's rich financial and architectural history.

4.6
(3k reviews)

"A nice little niche of a plaza in Siena, historical due to the banking nature of all three buildings."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Evening Photo Ops

The piazza and palace are beautifully lit at night, offering excellent photo opportunities .

🍦 Gelato Break Nearby

Grab a gelato from a nearby shop and enjoy it by the statue in the piazza .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Palazzo Salimbeni Architecture

Palazzo Salimbeni Architecture

Piazza Salimbeni

Admire the stunning neo-Gothic facade of this historic building, the seat of the world's oldest bank.

Piazza Salimbeni Atmosphere

Piazza Salimbeni Atmosphere

Piazza Salimbeni

Experience the elegant and peaceful ambiance of this charming square, perfect for a quiet moment.

Statue of Sallustio Bandini

Statue of Sallustio Bandini

Piazza Salimbeni

See the prominent statue in the center of the piazza, a tribute to a significant historical figure.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Palazzo Salimbeni

While Palazzo Salimbeni itself is primarily the headquarters of Monte dei Paschi di Siena and not a typical museum, its surrounding piazza offers a glimpse into history. Consider visiting during daylight for architectural appreciation and evening for atmospheric lighting. Be aware of potential events or protests that might temporarily affect access to the piazza.TikTokInstagram

Understanding Palazzo Salimbeni's Significance

Palazzo Salimbeni is renowned as the home of the world's oldest continuously operating bank, Monte dei Paschi di Siena, founded in 1472. Its neo-Gothic architecture is a key feature, making the piazza a point of historical and financial interest in Siena.Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best for architectural viewing
Crowd
Medium
When
Evening
Why
Atmospheric lighting
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Rispondi a @matty09810 Strane sparizioni a Siena?! 😰⚠️🆘 #iosonoklout #storiavera #mistero #italia #cronaca #siena #palazzosanniccolò #horror #ospedalepsichiatrico
@iosonoklout
5.8K likes • 71.1K views

📸 Evening Photo Ops

The piazza and palace are beautifully lit at night, offering excellent photo opportunities.Reddit

🍦 Gelato Break Nearby

Grab a gelato from a nearby shop and enjoy it by the statue in the piazza.Reddit

I booped all the busts #Italy #Siena #palazzopubblico #piazzadelcampo #Summer #art #artist
@micky.milkyway
924 likes • 7K views
PRESIDIO PER LA PACE A SIENA - A due anni dall’inizio della guerra in Ucraina un presidio di cittadine e cittadini ucraini di fronte a Palazzo Salimbeni, per chiedere la pace. #news #siena #toscana #radiosienatv
radiosienatv
323 likes • 13.4K views

🏛️ Check for Events

Piazza Salimbeni can host events or protests; check local news before visiting.TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Part of a Siena Walk

Often included in walking tours of Siena's historic center.Instagram+2

❕What not to miss in Siena: 👉🏼 Piazza del Campo📍- with Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia 🇮🇹 👉🏼 Duomo di Siena ⛪️ - including the Piccolomini Library 📚 👉🏼 Piazza Salimbeni ⚜️ ❗️Useful links: • comune.siena.it • operaduomo.siena.it📱 . . . #italy #tuscany #toscana #siena #travel #reeloftheday #landscape #summer #explore #trip #vacation #traveling #italyexplore #worldwanderingtales 🌍
world.wandering.tales
119 likes • 1.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Evening Photo Ops

The piazza and palace are beautifully lit at night, offering excellent photo opportunities.Reddit

🍦 Gelato Break Nearby

Grab a gelato from a nearby shop and enjoy it by the statue in the piazza.Reddit

🏛️ Check for Events

Piazza Salimbeni can host events or protests; check local news before visiting.TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Part of a Siena Walk

Often included in walking tours of Siena's historic center.Instagram+2

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Piazza Salimbeni for its elegant atmosphere and the impressive neo-Gothic architecture of Palazzo Salimbeni, home to the world's oldest bank. It's noted as a peaceful spot for a quiet pause, with the statue of Sallustio Bandini adding historical charm. The piazza is particularly beautiful when lit up at night.

"Home to the oldest bank in the world (1472) a really wonderful place to visit!"

Geovanny

"A nice little niche of a plaza in Siena.
Historical due to the banking nature of all three buildings that make up the walls of this area.
You can get your gelato nearby and sit at the base of the monument in the middle and let your feet rest while you enjoy your treat."

Jason B

"Impressive !
First bank headquarter 😍"

Eva PGL

What People Like

Elegant atmosphere
Historic architecture
Peaceful ambiance

What People Dislike

Limited interior access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Palazzo Salimbeni is located in Piazza Salimbeni, right in the heart of Siena's historic center. It's easily accessible on foot from other major attractions like Piazza del Campo and the Duomo. If arriving by car, park in one of the city's designated parking lots outside the ZTL (limited traffic zone) and walk or take a local bus.

Yes, absolutely! Piazza Salimbeni is a central point in Siena, and the palazzo is easily reached by walking from most points within the historic center. It's a great addition to a walking tour of Siena's medieval streets.Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Palazzo Salimbeni is the headquarters of Monte dei Paschi di Siena and is not typically open for general public tours like a museum. However, it is sometimes accessible for special events or on specific holidays, such as July 2nd and August 15th, the days surrounding the Palio horse races.Instagram

As it's a functioning bank, there are no standard public visiting hours for the interior. The piazza itself is always accessible. For specific openings, check local Siena event listings or the Monte dei Paschi di Siena website.

No, Piazza Salimbeni is a public square and is free to enter and explore at any time. You can admire the exterior of Palazzo Salimbeni and the statue without any cost.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attraction is the impressive neo-Gothic architecture of Palazzo Salimbeni itself, housing the historic Monte dei Paschi di Siena bank. The piazza also features the statue of Sallustio Bandini and offers a peaceful atmosphere for visitors.InstagramReddit

Crowd levels can vary. It's generally less crowded than the main Piazza del Campo, offering a more tranquil experience. Evenings tend to be quieter.Reddit

It's famous for being the headquarters of Monte dei Paschi di Siena, founded in 1472, making it the world's oldest continuously operating bank. This historical significance adds a unique layer to the piazza.Instagram+1

Occasionally, Piazza Salimbeni hosts public events, demonstrations, or protests.TikTok It's always a good idea to check local news or event calendars for Siena.

Daylight is great for capturing the architectural details, while evenings offer a magical ambiance with the piazza and palace beautifully illuminated.Reddit The statue is particularly striking at night.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Piazza Salimbeni itself might not have many dining establishments directly on the square, you'll find numerous cafes, trattorias, and gelaterias in the surrounding streets of Siena's historic center. It's a great spot to enjoy a gelato from a nearby shop.Reddit

Several highly-rated gelaterias are located within a short walking distance from Piazza Salimbeni. Ask locals for their favorite spot or look for places with natural ingredients and creative flavors.

📸 📸 Photography

The entire piazza offers great angles. Focus on the neo-Gothic facade of Palazzo Salimbeni, the statue of Sallustio Bandini, and the interplay of light and shadow, especially during golden hour or at night.Reddit

Yes, the piazza and the palazzo are beautifully illuminated at night, creating a dramatic and picturesque scene. The statue is particularly well-lit, making it a fantastic subject.Reddit

For daytime, a standard aperture (f/8-f/11) for good depth of field works well. For evenings, use a tripod and a longer exposure, or a wider aperture (f/2.8-f/4) with a higher ISO to capture the ambient light.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Palazzo Salimbeni itself isn't a hands-on attraction for children, Piazza Salimbeni offers a pleasant open space for families. Kids can enjoy a gelato from a nearby shop while parents admire the architecture.Reddit The central statue can be a point of interest, and the piazza is generally less chaotic than larger squares, making it a more manageable stop for families exploring Siena.

💰 Budget Travelers

Piazza Salimbeni is a fantastic free attraction. You can admire the historic architecture of Palazzo Salimbeni and the statue without spending a euro. It's a perfect spot to include in your walking tour of Siena, offering significant historical and visual appeal at no cost. Grabbing a budget-friendly gelato nearby is also a great way to enjoy the piazza.Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Piazza Salimbeni is a gem. The neo-Gothic architecture of Palazzo Salimbeni provides a dramatic backdrop, especially when captured during the golden hour or at night when the piazza is beautifully illuminated.Reddit The statue of Sallustio Bandini is also a compelling subject. Experiment with different angles to capture the grandeur and the peaceful atmosphere.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historic Monte dei Paschi di Siena

Palazzo Salimbeni is intrinsically linked to the history of Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the world's oldest bank, founded in 1472. Originally established as a 'Monte di Pietà' (mount of piety) to provide low-interest loans to the poor, it has evolved into a major financial institution. The bank's enduring presence in this iconic building underscores Siena's historical importance in finance and commerce.Instagram+1

Visiting Piazza Salimbeni offers a tangible connection to this long legacy. While the interior of the palazzo is not generally accessible, its imposing neo-Gothic architecture serves as a constant reminder of the bank's deep roots and its role in shaping the city's identity. It's a fascinating aspect for those interested in economic history or the evolution of banking.

Architectural Gem: Neo-Gothic Splendor

The Palazzo Salimbeni is a prime example of neo-Gothic architecture in Siena. Built in the 14th century, it was later renovated and expanded, showcasing the characteristic pointed arches, intricate detailing, and imposing vertical lines of the Gothic style, adapted with a 19th-century neo-Gothic sensibility. The building's facade is a striking visual element within the piazza.Instagram

When exploring Piazza Salimbeni, take time to appreciate the architectural nuances of the palazzo. The surrounding buildings also contribute to the square's historical ambiance, creating a cohesive and visually appealing urban space. It's a testament to Siena's enduring architectural heritage, offering a different aesthetic compared to the more Romanesque or Renaissance styles found elsewhere in Tuscany.

Piazza Salimbeni: A Peaceful Urban Oasis

Unlike the bustling Piazza del Campo, Piazza Salimbeni offers a more serene and elegant atmosphere. It's a smaller, more intimate square, often described as a 'niche' or a 'quiet pause' in the city.Reddit The central statue of Sallustio Bandini adds a focal point, while the surrounding historic buildings create a sense of grandeur without overwhelming the visitor.

Many visitors find Piazza Salimbeni to be an ideal spot to relax, perhaps with a gelato from a nearby shop, and soak in the historical surroundings.Reddit The piazza is particularly beautiful in the evening when the buildings are illuminated, creating a magical ambiance perfect for a leisurely stroll or quiet contemplation. It provides a welcome respite from the more crowded tourist hubs.

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