Palazzo Coli Bizzarrini

Palazzo Coli Bizzarrini, formerly known as Palazzo Francesconi, is a historic building dating back to 1520-1527. The design is attributed to Baldassarre Peruzzi who, according to the text of Bono del Monte dei Buondelmonti, said that: ‘Baldassarre Peruzzi created the plan of the Palazzo de’Francesconi in Poggio Malavolti, which remains unfinished, as well as the Model!” The unfinished state of the palazzo resulted from Peruzzi accepting commissions from Agostino Chigi for the construction of Villa La Farnesina in Rome on Via della Lungara, which was later decorated by Raphael, and his subsequent role as second architect for the Fabbrica di San Pietro together with Michelangelo, who was the first architect under Pope Leo X. These lucrative projects diverted Peruzzi’s attention from completing Palazzo de’ Francesconi, which was then entrusted to one of his pupils, Architect Pietro Cataneo.

Additionally, from 1527 to 1531, the Government of the Nove was excluded from public offices, leading to a halt in construction due to Francesconi’s income being halved and reduced to a quarter.

When the Nove were reinstated by the Spanish, work on the palazzo resumed according to a revised plan. However, this only partially completed the building, abandoning the original design for the southeast side of the palazzo (1531-1553). The heraldic elements still visible between the cornice brackets, which belong to both the coats of arms of the Tolomei and the Piccolomini families (dating back to the two marriages of Francesconi’s daughter), help date the cornice to around 1539, when Baptista Francesconi married first Girolamo Tolomei and later Girolamo Piccolomini at a second marriage after being widowed, in 1553.

In 1618, a decree by Fabio Chigi attributed the completion of the Palazzo to Pietro Cataneo (Peruzzi’s pupil), who however consistently acknowledged his architectural style and adoption of the mannerist style for Palazzo Francesconi to his mentor, the Sienese architect Baldassarre Peruzzi. The latter’s remains are preserved in a chapel at the Pantheon in Rome.

Dinner with private chefs organised exclusively for guests
Time seems to have stood still in the grand rooms of the first ‘piano nobile’ floor of Palazzo Coli Bizzarrini, where prominent figures from politics, music, art and European nobility have dined. Guests at the Palazzo can step back in history, relive those same emotions and enjoy a culinary experience in this prestigious historical residence. Indulge in the luxury of privacy for your conversations, celebrations, confessions and storytelling in a unique and unparalleled setting.

Gastronomic food and wine tasting experiences
Palazzo Coli Bizzarrini is not only a historical residence offering accommodation, but also a place to explore. Distinguished personalities from the world of European politics, art, culture and aristocracy have also enjoyed this privileged atmosphere. Experience an exclusive wine tasting reminiscent of the 1520 period on the ‘piano nobile’ first floor of this sumptuous property.

Representatives from collaborating wineries will share their stories behind the wines they propose and the wine cellars where they are produced, considered the most important in the Siena area. You will also be able to enjoy a selection of Tuscan appetisers to complement the wines you are sampling. Spend a beautiful two hours immersed on a unique and unrepeatable journey, blending history, art and the exclusivity of a one-of-a-kind tour.