Logge del Papa, Renaissance loggia in Siena, Italy
The Logge del Papa is a Renaissance building next to San Martino church featuring three arches supported by Corinthian columns in travertine. Metal chains run through the columns, integrated into the structure from its original construction to provide stability.
Antonio Federighi built this structure in 1462 following a commission from Pope Pius II as a gift to the Piccolomini family. The construction reflected the family's growing political power in Siena during the Renaissance period.
The Latin inscription on the architrave names Pope Pius II and his family, the Piccolomini, showing the close bond between the church and this powerful Sienese family. Visitors can still read these names today and understand the personal story behind the building.
The building stands directly beside San Martino and is easy to locate in the old town using the church as a landmark. The best view of its details is from the square in front, where you can take time to examine the architectural elements.
The facade displays papal emblems crowned with the papal tiara, symbolizing religious authority in the Renaissance city. These details often go unnoticed, but they clearly show the power the Pope held over Siena and his allied families.
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