Church of St.Augustine

The Church, built beginning in the 13th century, overlooks a stretch of the historic Via Lauretana, now Corso Matteotti. In the 15th century, the structure was expanded and given a new brick façade, likely financed by the wealthy Sienese merchant Iacopo Scotti. On the right side, one can admire what remains of the old Augustinian convent, currently used as private residences. Important artworks originating from the church are now displayed in the Palazzo Corboli Museum.

The origins of this complex date back to the Middle Ages, with records confirming its presence as early as the 13th century. In 1332, some buildings were ceded by Bacco del Priore to allow the construction of the convent. By the mid-15th century, the complex of S. Agostino gained the patronage of the wealthy Sienese merchant Iacopo Scotti, who held rights over two chapels within the church, and whose coat of arms can be seen on the interior façade. Following the Napoleonic suppressions, the church was purchased by the Vegni family and, in 1857, donated to the Venerable Confraternity of Mercy and St. Chiodo.

This large church, once dedicated to St. Michael, features a single hall with a double-pitched roof. Originally built in travertine, it was expanded in the late Middle Ages and adorned with a new brick façade, evidenced by a brick near the entrance bearing the date “1472.” The expansion was likely financed by the wealthy merchant Iacopo Scotti, whose tombstone, crafted by Urbano da Cortona, can be seen inside the church. The convent, located on the right side of the church, consisted of rooms facing an inner courtyard with a well at its center.

Inside the church, visitors can admire beautiful frescoes uncovered during recent restorations. Among them are various figures of saints, including a remarkable St. Christopher fresco near the entrance, depicted crossing water while carrying the Child Jesus on his shoulder. At the saint’s feet is also a rare double-tailed mermaid. The stucco decorations date back to the 17th century, while the trompe-l'oeil windows were added in the 19th century. Additionally, some of the most important artworks on display at the Palazzo Corboli Museum originally came from this church.