The Palazzo Pubblico has been the seat of Siena's government since the Nine took office at the end of the thirteenth century, and it still faces the Campo like a stage set. Inside, the Civic Museum is the place to see Simone Martini's Maestà and Ambrogio Lorenzetti's fourteenth-century frescoes on good and bad government, a rare secular masterpiece of medieval painting. The Nine could not leave the palace during their six-month terms, so they had the Loggia dei Nove built at the back as a balcony. Beside the palace stands the Torre del Mangia, the civic tower built at the start of the fourteenth century. It is 102 metres high, and visitors can climb it for a view over the whole city. Museum entry can be bought in advance, while tower tickets work differently, as the details below explain.
The Civic Museum
The route is step-free and has a lift, which makes it one of the easiest major sights in Siena for visitors with limited mobility. The single museum ticket also covers the Magazzini del Sale, the former salt stores used for exhibitions. In winter, from 1 November to the end of February, the museum opens from ten until six, with last entry at a quarter past five, and it closes on Christmas Day.
A restoration project for the Lorenzetti frescoes has been announced on the museum's site without dates, so check whether the room is fully open on the day.
Climbing the tower
About 400 steps and no lift, with groups of up to 25 going up every 45 minutes. In winter the tower opens from ten until four, with last entry at a quarter past three, and climbs sell out. Tower tickets cannot be booked ahead. Buy them on the day at the palace ticket office, and if you want a combined ticket with the museum, the first entry must be the tower.
Children under 14 must be accompanied, animals are not admitted, and the museum advises against the climb for people with heart or breathing problems, vertigo, claustrophobia or limited mobility.
How to plan it
Go to the ticket office first thing, book your tower slot, then visit the museum while you wait. Combined tickets with Santa Maria della Scala are also sold, but sales of those are paused on the first weekend of each month. The reward at the top is a view of the Campo from above, with the cathedral dome and the hills beyond.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided museum route through the palace's frescoed halls, plus an optional timed climb of about 400 steps up the tower, in groups of up to 25.
Best time
Arrive when the ticket office opens to secure a tower slot, since climbs run every 45 minutes and can sell out.
How long
Allow about ninety minutes for the museum and another hour for the tower, including the wait for your slot.
Tips
Buy the tower ticket on the day at the palace ticket office, leave bags light for the narrow stairs, and pick a clear day for the view.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants Siena's best view and a close look at medieval civic painting.
- Families
- Older children usually love the climb, but small children and anyone nervous of heights may prefer the museum alone.
- Couples
- Climb the tower in the last hours of daylight, then walk down into the Campo for an aperitivo.
- Pair with
- Piazza del Campo, Siena Cathedral and Santa Maria della Scala.
- Time needed
- Half a day with the museum and the tower.
Good questions
Can I book Torre del Mangia tickets in advance?+
No, tower tickets are sold on the day at the palace ticket office. Combined tickets that include the tower are also bought there, and the tower must be the first entry.
How many steps is the climb?+
About 400, with no lift. The museum advises against it for people with heart or breathing conditions, vertigo, claustrophobia or limited mobility.
What are the winter hours?+
From 1 November to the end of February the museum opens from ten until six and the tower from ten until four. Last entry is a little before closing, and both close on Christmas Day.
Is the museum accessible?+
Yes, the museum route is step-free and has a lift, and free wheelchairs are available at the ticket point. The tower cannot be climbed by wheelchair users.
What is the most famous artwork inside?+
The Civic Museum holds Simone Martini's Maestà and Ambrogio Lorenzetti's frescoes on good and bad government. Ask whether any room is affected by restoration work on the day.
