Siena: a library like no other

It's like no library I've ever worked in, that's for sure. The Piccolomini Library, in a small alcove off the Duomo nave, doesn't have shelves or books. But, boy, does it have decoration!

The frescoes on the walls are the main attraction (although not the only one, as I'll show you in a minute) and they are astonishing. Especially when you learn (through Rick Steves' self-guided tour in the Florence and Tuscany guidebook) that they've never been restored! They look like they were painted yesterday, the colors are that vibrant and rich.

The paintings depict important events in the life of one Siena's favorite sons, Aeneas Piccolomini (later Pope Pius II), but their main interest is artistic rather than historical. They are perfect examples of the Renaissance's trompe l'oeil technique, making each 2-D panel look convincingly 3-D...

thanks to Henry for this 3-in-1

Most of the exterior wall is windows, but even the walls between are elaborately decorated...

...and the ceiling...well, it's nigh-on indescribable...

So why is it a library at all? Well, below the amazing frescoes and that incredible ceiling, there are astoundingly beautiful manuscript copies of music. They're large, since they were the only copies the choir had and everyone had to be able to see them from a distance. And they are gorgeous!

Here's a photo Henry took that gives you a good idea of how the frescoes, ceiling, and manuscripts work together to create and inhabit this wonderful space...

I had to circle the little room twice, just to soak in the wonderful illuminations. Especially after Henry discovered that you could minimize the glare and reflections on their protective glass in your photos by holding the camera slightly above instead of straight on.

illumination seen straight on

flowers using the better technique

Although, occasionally, I think the reflections are kind of cool, superimposed on the illuminations...

Here are a couple of my favorite bits of illumination...

Isn't that exquisitely awesome?! If you want to see a whole page of music, Henry snapped this perfect shot...

A favorite sideshow attraction, in my favorite church, in one of my favorite cities! We have Rick to thank, again, for making sure we didn't miss this somewhat hidden gem.