The Hotel Continental is housed in Palazzo Gori Pannilini, built in the 17th century by the Chigi Pope Alexander VII for his niece Olimpia on the occasion of her marriage to the nobleman Giulio de’ Gori. The grandeur of the architecture and the building’s sumptuous decorative scheme perfectly express the high social standing of the families. Thanks to its artistic splendour, the Continental later became the preferred Sienese residence for young European aristocrats and intellectuals on the Grand Tour.

Many famous people of the time stayed there, including Queen Margaret of Savoy and her court. Recent restoration work has uncovered frescoes of outstanding beauty and the structure of a medieval tower. All this and much more contribute to the unique character of the Grand Hotel Continental, the only 5-star luxury hotel in Siena.