Museo delle Tavolette di Biccherne

Siena


Housed in the Renaissance-era Palazzo Piccolomini, Siena's State Archive isn't a usual stop on the standard tourist itinerary, but it provides ample reward for those who choose to visit. The small on-site museum takes its name from the pride of the archive's collection: 103 small late-13th-century painted and gilded wooden panels known as the 'Tavolette di Biccherna'. Created as covers for the municipal accounts books, the biccherne were painted by Sienese artists including Ambogio Lorenzetti and Taddeo di Bartolo.

These and other evocative, historically significant documents (many medieval) can be seen on daily guided tours (in Italian only) – non-Italian speakers are welcome to browse the exhibits while the tour is underway. You'll want to linger in front of the cabinets containing the biccherne, enjoying their scenes of Sienese life between the 13th and early 18th centuries and marvelling at the skill of their artists. Ensure that you also view the illuminated Constitution of Siena (c 1310), which was written in Italian rather than Latin – very unusual for the time. There are also historical documents about the city's contrade (districts) and the Palio, including drawings of costumes and processional floats.

Guided tours in Italian, English and French can be arranged by emailing as-si.comunicazione@beniculturali.it. To find the museum's entrance, head to the back left of the courtyard and take the stairs to the 4th floor.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Siena attractions

1. Logge del Papa

0.02 MILES

This handsome Renaissance style structure next to the Chiesa di San Martino was commissioned by Pope Pius II (Enea Silvio Piccolomini) and built in 1462.

2. Chiesa di San Martino

0.04 MILES

The baroque facade of this church dates from 1613, but the church itself is much older, having been constructed in the 12th century. Inside are works by…

3. Sinagoga di Siena

0.05 MILES

Sheltering behind an anonymous facade, this Ashkenazi synagogue in Siena's former Ghetto once serviced a community of 500. Sadly, a mere 50 Jews now live…

4. Torre del Mangia

0.08 MILES

Completed in 1348, this 87m-high red-brick-and-travertine bell tower commands magnificent views from its highest levels. Its name (The Tower of Eater)…

5. Palazzo Pubblico

0.09 MILES

Built to demonstrate the enormous wealth, proud independence and secular nature of Siena, this 14th-century Gothic masterpiece is the visual focal point…

6. Museo Civico

0.09 MILES

Entered via the Palazzo Pubblico's Cortile del Podestà (Courtyard of the Chief Magistrate), this wonderful museum showcases rooms richly frescoed by…

7. Piazza del Campo

0.09 MILES

Popularly known as 'Il Campo', this sloping piazza has been Siena's social centre since being staked out by the ruling Consiglio dei Nove (Council of Nine…

8. Fonte Gaia

0.09 MILES

Water first bubbled forth from the Fonte Gaia in the upper part of the Campo in 1346. The fountain's panels are reproductions; the severely weathered…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "italy/tuscany/siena/attractions/museo-delle-tavolette-di-biccherne/a/poi-sig/1408929/360053",
      "destination": "Siena",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "Italy",
      "region": "Tuscany",
      "city": "Siena",
      "position": "superzone"
    }