We will guide you to the discovery of the church of San Niccolò al Carmine whose construction, as that of the adjoining convent, was started in the mid-thirteenth century by a group of Carmelite friars from the Holy Land.

Like the Franciscans, the Dominicans and the Augustinians, even the mendicant Order of Carmelites founded its church just outside the city walls, along the Pian dei Mantellini, with the aim of drawing the common people of Siena to Christian faith. As a result of their guidance of the community, the friars were able to gain the trust of the major institutions of Siena, many of which helped to support them through donations and gifts.

The church holds the relics of the Blessed Franco Lippi da Grotti (1211-1291), a Carmelite friar who performed many miracles and attracted a large number of faithful, further reinforcing the bonds between Siena’s inhabitants and the Order.

The interior is adorned with many works by important artists, including the beautiful altarpiece painted by the Sienese painter Domenico Beccafumi in the first half of the sixteenth century, representing Saint Michael the Archangel Banishing the Fallen Angels. On the walls hang the flags of the Contrada della Pantera, that holds the blessing of its horse in this church on the day of the Palio.
Enjoy your visit!