Discover the extraordinary collection of paintings, sculptures and frescoes of the Civic Museum of Siena. The museum is housed in Siena's town hall known as Palazzo Pubblico which overlooks Piazza del Campo, a superb example of Gothic architecture and the symbol of the city. Marvel at superb masterpieces by the famous Sienese School of painting, such as the Maestà and the Equestrian Portrait of Guidoriccio da Fogliano by Simone Martini and Ambrogio Lorenzetti's Allegory of Good and Bad Government.
You'll be struck by the magnificence of the palace's halls, among them, the Sala del Mappamondo, formerly used as the meeting room of the General Council of the Republic of Siena. The Maestà by Simone Martini takes up the whole north wall of the chamber: the iconic representation of the enthroned Madonna and child is still striking today for the delicate use of the chromatic palette and the purity of lines.
Another treasure of the museum is the Allegory of Good and Bad Government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti which decorates the magnificent Sala dei Nove. This masterpiece is the largest secular fresco cycle of the Middle Ages and a political manifesto as it depicts two opposing methods of government along with their consequences.
To the left of the Sala del Mappamondo you will find the so-called Anticappella, once used as an antechamber by the Parish Assembly. Here you'll see another extraordinary work of art: the 15th-century cycle of frescoes depicting The Virtues of Gods and Illustrious Men by Taddeo di Bartolo.
A number of adjacent rooms contain the Quadreria, a collection of detached frescoes, paintings on wood and canvases both by the Sienese School and by artists from across Italy and abroad. During the visit, you'll also be able to enjoy the view over the southern part of Siena from the large loggia on the upper floor.
Skip-the-line entrance to the Civic Museum of Siena
