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Profile
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The hospice was founded by Pietro Colombini, a fabric merchant who became a convert and founding father of the Jesuit order. Their aim was to help the poor and pilgrims, and they eventually went on to build the Hospital of S. Maria della Scala in Siena in 1363. The hospice continued to offer help and care to the sick, until a decree of 1751 by the Grand Duke Leopoldo II of Tuscany forced it to close. |
 In the nineteenth century the hospice was acquired by the painter Francesco Nenci, and it is his work that decorates the impressive main room of the principal villa. The inspiration for the scenes comes from the surrounding countryside, and his work can also be seen decorating the annexed chapel of Santa Croce. The main building is now a country villa belonging to the owners, and it, along with the chapel, can be visited on request. |
 L'Aia (the name for the old threshing floor) is located in the Tuscan countryside, just five kilometres from the centre of Siena. The grouping consists of three apartments and some individual rooms which are spaced around an open courtyard, all housed in newly renovated farm buildings. There is a regular bus service into nearby Siena, and a shop and bar are within walking distance. |
 L'Aia consists of a delightful group of lovingly renovated farm buildings that is made up of three self contained holiday apartments, and a fourth building with three double bedrooms (two of which have an additional sofabed), all with private bathrooms and all having use of a shared dining room with open fireplace. Satellite television.
A stay at L'Aia offers you the best of both worlds, with the atmosphere and views of the Tuscan countryside coupled with the convenience of Siena pretty much on your doorstep. A bar and shops as well as a bus stop are within easy walking distance. The land around L'Aia is still very active, and the owners produce their own olive oil and wine. |
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