“CASA DELLE BALIE” REOPENS. A NEW BEGINNING FOR HOSPITALITY FOR PILGRIMS AND HIKERS IN SIENA.
Sigerico SpA, in collaboration with the Municipality of Siena, is pleased to announce the reopening of the “Casa delle Balie”, the first and historic hostel dedicated to pilgrims walking the Via Francigena and the Via Lauretana, as well as to all hiking tourists. After a period of inactivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary hospitality offered to Ukrainian women fleeing the war, the facility will be active from Friday 29 March 2024, marking an important return to normality and tourism in close contact with nature, culture and art.
The “Casa delle Balie”, once a refuge for abandoned children and today a hub of hospitality for wayfarers, sportsmen and women of the Strade Bianche and temporary inhabitants of sustainability, is a landmark in Siena, located in the suggestive alley of San Girolamo, in the heart of the historic centre, a few steps from the Siena Cathedral and integrated into the Santa Maria della Scala complex. Its history, which sees it rooted in the social and cultural fabric of the city as a place of welcome, is renewed today with its reopening. An unmissable stop for those looking for an authentic experience in the heart of one of the most fascinating centres in Italy, a reference point for walks and slow tourism.
“Thanks to the work done in synergy with Sigerico, we are making available to pilgrims again a place of welcome and hospitality, which is a historic location full of strong symbolic meaning. Connected to the Santa Maria della Scala complex, the “Casa delle Balie” played a precise social and solidarity role for the city, welcoming children abandoned by their families. Over time the building has changed its original purpose becoming a refuge for wayfarers. In recent times, however, the welfare nature of this space has continued, hosting young Ukrainian women who have fled the war in this very house. Today a new cycle begins, a cycle dedicated to the traveller, to those who stop in our wonderful lands through a unique urban stretch of the Via Francigena”.
Nicoletta Fabio, Mayor of Siena
The Accommodation
With a capacity of 25 beds spread across five welcoming rooms, the accommodation offers a variety of services designed to guarantee comfort and functionality for its guests. The “Casa delle Balie” covers an area of 350 square meters and has two independent entrances: the main one on Vicolo di San Girolamo (number 2) and a second access from Via de’ Fusari (number 48), specifically designed to facilitate access for disabled guests, with a room equipped with a bathroom to regulations.
Guests can enjoy a range of state-of-the-art services and a warm and welcoming atmosphere, thanks to the advanced heating and air conditioning system, free Wi-Fi, as well as a well-equipped laundry room with a washing machine and dryer, refrigerator, bathrooms with coin-operated showers, a terrace and a recreation room. Open all year round, except for December 25th, until October the hostel will welcome its guests from 3pm with check-in from 1.30pm to 6.15pm (winter hours will be announced shortly). Registration and payment (if not made previously) must be made at the Museo Santa Maria della Scala, Piazza Duomo, 2 from 1.30pm to 6.15pm. After registration, guests will be given an electronic key or access code and directions to their accommodation (room name and bed number), and the times for entering and leaving the building.
In line with its commitment to providing a high quality service, the Municipality of Siena has updated the rates to 25 euros per person per night including bed linen.
The “Casa delle Balie” is more than just a hostel: it is a meeting point for travellers from all over the world, a place where history and hospitality blend to offer a unique experience. We are ready to welcome back pilgrims and travellers to the heart of Siena, offering them an unforgettable stay.
Information and bookings:
Telephone: 0577-228788
Email: ostello@casadellebalie.it
Website with regulations: www.casadellebalie.it
