Siena's Palazzo Pubblico: Gothic Masterpieces and Good Government

Palazzo Pubblico is not just the seat of Siena’s city government: it’s an open-air museum that holds centuries of history and art. Built between 1297 and 1310 by the Government of the Nine, the palace overlooks Piazza del Campo with its unmistakable Gothic facade of stone and brick. Inside, the Museo Civico houses masterpieces such as Simone Martini’s Maestà and Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s fresco cycle Allegory of Good and Bad Government, a unique work that conveys ideals of justice and peace.

What not to miss:
– Sala del Mappamondo: with frescoes by Simone Martini and historical views.
– Sala della Pace: Lorenzetti’s famous cycle, a masterpiece of medieval secular art.
– Torre del Mangia: 88 meters high, 400 steps for a stunning panorama of the city and Tuscan hills.
– Cappella di Piazza: elegant marble structure built in 1352 as a vow for the end of the plague.

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Copertina itinerario Siena's Palazzo Pubblico: Gothic Masterpieces and Good Government

Immerse yourself in Siena’s medieval history: Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s frescoes, Simone Martini’s Maestà, and the climb up Torre del Mangia for a breathtaking view of Piazza del Campo and the Tuscan countryside.

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Good to know

Welcome to the Heart of Siena

A Brief History

The Frescoes of Good Government

Up the Torre del Mangia

Three Good Reasons

The Right Time

Must-See Surroundings

Welcome to the Heart of Siena

There’s no better way to understand Siena than to step inside its Palazzo Pubblico. The Gothic façade of stone and brick, with the large disc bearing Christ’s monogram, welcomes you in Piazza del Campo. Inside, it’s a journey through the Middle Ages: the frescoes by Simone Martini and Ambrogio Lorenzetti will leave you breathless. Then, climb the Torre del Mangia for a view that spans the entire city and the Tuscan countryside. It’s the essence of Siena, all within one building.

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A Brief History

The palace was built between 1297 and 1310 by the Government of the Nine, at the height of the Republic of Siena’s power. It was intended as the seat of government, a symbol of stability and justice. In 1338, Lorenzetti began his frescoes in the Sala dei Nove, a masterpiece of political propaganda. The Torre del Mangia, 88 meters high, was added in 1348, surpassing the towers of Florence in height. The Cappella di Piazza, dating from 1352, was a vow made after the Black Death. Here are the key moments:

1297-1310 – Construction of the palace
1312-1315 – Simone Martini paints the Maestà
1338-1339 – Ambrogio Lorenzetti completes the Good Government
1348 – Completion of the Torre del Mangia
1352 – Cappella di Piazza

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The Frescoes of Good Government

The Sala dei Nove (or Peace Hall) is unique. Here Ambrogio Lorenzetti painted between 1338 and 1339 what are considered the first secular frescoes of the Middle Ages. On one side, ‘Effects of Good Government’ shows a prosperous city with markets, dances, and cultivated fields. On the other, ‘Bad Government’ sows destruction and violence. It’s an incredible political and social work. Notice the details: the farmers working, the merchants. It feels like you’re seeing daily life back then. Don’t miss the still-vibrant colors.

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Up the Torre del Mangia

The tower is 88 meters high, and climbing its 505 steps is no easy feat, but the effort is rewarded. The view from up there is breathtaking: Piazza del Campo looks like a shell, the Duomo stands out in the distance, and the Tuscan hills stretch to the horizon. It takes its name from the first bell-ringer, nicknamed ‘Mangiaguadagni’ (literally ‘profit-eater’). And it’s nice to think it was built taller than any tower in Florence, out of rivalry. Tip: go up at sunset to see the colors of the countryside.

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Three Good Reasons

1. Because here you’ll find the oldest cycle of political frescoes in the world, Lorenzetti’s Allegory of Good Government. 2. To admire Simone Martini’s Maestà, an icon of Sienese art. 3. To climb the Torre del Mangia and enjoy the view of Siena and the Val d’Orcia. Plus, the ticket costs only €6, and you can also visit the Civic Museum and the Chapel of the Palazzo. In short, a bargain.

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The Right Time

To avoid the crowds, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The light filters through the mullioned windows and illuminates the frescoes magically. If you can, choose spring or autumn: the climate is mild and the light is perfect. In winter, the atmosphere is more intimate, but watch out for reduced hours. The highlight? The sunset from the Torre del Mangia, when the sun gilds the city.

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Must-See Surroundings

Just outside the city, you absolutely can’t miss the Duomo di Siena, a Gothic masterpiece with its iconic black-and-white striped facade and intricate inlaid floor. A stone’s throw away, the Baptistery of San Giovanni boasts frescoes by Vecchietta. And of course, take a leisurely walk through the medieval streets of the center, stopping for a porchetta sandwich or a slice of panforte. Siena is just waiting to be discovered on foot.

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💡 Did You Know…?
A fascinating curiosity: the Torre del Mangia takes its name from its first watchman, Giovanni di Duccio, nicknamed ‘Mangiaguadagni’ (earnings eater) for his habit of spending his salary immediately. Moreover, the palace’s architecture perfectly adapts to the curve of Piazza del Campo, symbolizing harmony between political power and the community. During your visit, look for the fresco of Guidoriccio da Fogliano: it celebrates the conquest of Montemassi and testifies to the military pride of the Sienese Republic.