Palazzo Spannocchi, Siena, Renaissance palace in Piazza Salimbeni, Siena, Italy
Palazzo Spannocchi is a three-story palace located at Piazza Salimbeni featuring smooth stone walls and regular rows of mullioned windows throughout its facade. The second floor is distinguished by its round-arched openings, while a prominent cornice near the roofline provides a clear horizontal division across the upper portion.
Ambrogio Spannocchi, a merchant who served as treasurer to Pope Pius II, commissioned architect Giuliano da Maiano in 1473 to build this palace for his prominent family. The construction occurred during an era when wealthy merchants in Siena sought to display their economic power through impressive architecture.
The exterior displays classical Roman busts along the roofline cornice, representing a departure from the Gothic style that dominated Siena at the time. This choice reflected how wealthy merchant families were drawn to ancient artistic forms as symbols of their refinement and power.
The building sits near Via Banchi di Sopra in the Terzo di Camollia district and is easily accessible on foot from the surrounding area. From Piazza Salimbeni it can be spotted quickly, making it a straightforward stop during a walk through the city center.
Inside, a noteworthy stairwell leads to the second floor with careful architectural planning. The design drew inspiration from Florence's Palazzo Medici Riccardi, revealing the architectural connections between the wealthiest Renaissance cities.
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