Santa Maria dei Servi, Siena 
View of Santa Maria dei Servi from the south. For more views, please
see our Santa Maria dei Servi Photo Gallery.
Nave looking east.
Detail of Slaughter of the Innocents fresco (c.1330).
Holy water stoup of the 13th century.
Location map and aerial view of Santa Maria de Servi. For a larger view,
see our Siena Map or get our free Google Earth download.
The 13th-century Church of Santa Maria dei Servi in Siena is notable for its a fine Romanesque bell tower and famous fresco inside.
History
Santa Maria dei Servi was built in the 13th century and altered in the 15th and 16th centuries.
What to See
The simple west facade of the church, with a single portal and a rose window, remains unfinished. The Romanesque campanile (13th century) has four orders of windows, increasing in number as they go up in order to enhance the effect of perspective. It was thoroughly restored in the 20th century.
Inside is a central nave flanked by two aisles and a number of notable artworks. On the right is the Madonna del Bordone (the Virgin and Child with two Angels) by Coppo di Marcovaldo (1261).
In the second chapel in the south transept is the famous Slaughter of the Innocents fresco by Pietro Lorenzetti (c. 1330). The altarpiece is Lippo Memmi's Madonna del Pópolo (c. 1317). Also notable are a Crucifix of the 14th century and a holy water stoup of the 13th century.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Santa Maria dei Servi; Santa Maria degli Servi |
| Type of site: | Parish church |
| Faith: | Roman Catholic |
| Status: | Active |
| Dates: | 13th century |
| Architecture: | Romanesque |
| Location: | SE end of the old town down the Banchi di Sotto. |
Travel Resources
Article Sources
- Personal visit (April 30, 2008).
- Loretta Santini, Siena: Guide with Plan, 85.
- Santa Maria del Servi - Planetware
