Stories of faith and brushes: a journey into the Mantle Chapel
Traveling through the history of Siena, in a quiet place where art, spirituality, and memory intertwine? It is possible, by crossing the threshold of the Mantle Chapel. Located on the lower level of the Santa Maria della Scala complex, the chapel takes its name from the fresco created in 1444 by Domenico di Bartolo, depicting the Madonna of Mercy, now preserved in the Old Sacristy. This space, with a capacity of 90 seats, now hosts concerts and presentations, giving the city a lively and contemporary historic place.
From the medieval hospital to the chapel of relics
The Mantle Chapel has undergone many transformations over the centuries. Originally, in 1248, it was a portico with three arches, part of the primitive core of the hospital. In the 13th century, it was then adapted for civil and administrative functions, becoming the seat of the friars' chapter. Between the end of the 13th and the beginning of the 14th century, the chapel took on a sacred function with the construction of a ribbed vault and new religious decorations.
In 1359 it was adapted as the chapel of sacred relics from Constantinople, with the construction of a wooden choir, while in the 15th century, thanks to the fresco by Domenico di Bartolo, it became known as the Mantle Chapel. In 1513, Domenico Beccafumi decorated the third bay with the lunette of the Meeting at the Golden Gate, while in the 16th century further decorations and a nativity scene were created by Domenico di Pace.
Rediscovered frescoes and modern restoration at the Mantle Chapel
The cycle of frescoes from 1370, by Cristoforo di Bindoccio and Meo di Pero, was rediscovered under lime wash, revealing extraordinary details of medieval Sienese painting. In the 1990s, after being used as an emergency room, the chapel suffered damage to the painted decorations; a careful restoration intervention restored its original charm, enhancing the artistic and historical richness of the environment.
Today, the Mantle Chapel offers visitors an experience that combines art, history, and spirituality, allowing them to understand how sacred art, relics, and devotion have interacted for centuries within one of the oldest hospitals in Europe.
Enter the Mantle Chapel and let yourself be transported by centuries of art, devotion, and history that still speak today in Siena.
