Santa Maria della Scala

Santa Maria della Scala is one of the oldest surviving hospital complexes in Europe, located directly across from Siena's cathedral. Since the 11th century it served as a hospital, a home for abandoned children, and a refuge for pilgrims on the Via Francigena, making it a rare example of medieval social architecture. Today it has been converted into a museum complex that includes the Pellegrinaio with 15th-century frescoes depicting the history of the hospital itself, a crypt with medieval frescoes, an Archaeological Museum, and spaces for temporary exhibitions. The complex is large, so a visit can easily take two hours.