
Palazzo Salimbeni Siena
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
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best for architectural viewing

Palazzo Salimbeni Siena
Best Time
Best for architectural viewing

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

📸 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 .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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
Understanding Palazzo Salimbeni's Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 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.
🏛️ Check for Events
Piazza Salimbeni can host events or protests; check local news before visiting.
🚶♀️ Part of a Siena Walk
Often included in walking tours of Siena's historic center.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 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.
🏛️ Check for Events
Piazza Salimbeni can host events or protests; check local news before visiting.
🚶♀️ Part of a Siena Walk
Often included in walking tours of Siena's historic center.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
Occasionally, Piazza Salimbeni hosts public events, demonstrations, or protests. 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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Monte dei Paschi di Siena
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
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
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. 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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