Civic Museum of Siena
The Civic Museum of Siena, located in the Palazzo Pubblico, showcases masterpieces from the 14th to 18th centuries, including works by Simone Martini and Ambrogio Lorenzetti.
Planning your visit
The Palazzo Pubblico was built by a republic that took self-government seriously, and its museum contains the most explicit visual statement of political theory made in the Middle Ages.
Ambrogio Lorenzetti's Allegory of Good and Bad Government, painted from 1338 in the room where the Nine who governed Siena met, covers three walls: on one side a well-ordered city and countryside with dancers, trade and harvest; on the other, tyranny, with a horned figure presiding over ruin, violence and abandoned fields. The councillors sat surrounded by the consequences of their decisions.
Simone Martini's Maesta and his equestrian Guidoriccio occupy the adjoining hall.
The Torre del Mangia beside it can be climbed for views over the Campo, the shell-shaped square where the Palio is run twice each summer.
Bookable options include walking tours with cathedral and civic museum entry. Current availability is shown below.
Before you book
Where is Civic Museum of Siena?
Civic Museum of Siena is in Siena, Italy.
Do I need to book Civic Museum of Siena in advance?
Guided tours run to a fixed schedule and small group sizes, so they are usually booked ahead.