Trip Planner: Europe / Italy / Tuscany / Province of Siena / Siena / Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico

Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico, Siena

4.5

#1 of 86 in Museums in Province of Siena

World heritage site · Government Building · Hidden Gem · Art Museum

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Located on Sienna’s central square, Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico was built to house the Republican government at the end of the 13th century, and now is home to the civic museum. The impressive bell tower was built between 1325 and 1344, and was at the time the highest structure in the country. Ascend the tower to look out over the city, or tour the building to see some of the first non-religious paintings within its walls. Frescoes are present in most rooms, and depict battle scenes, landscapes, and other aspects of medieval life. Don't miss the most famous, a series of three panels painted by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, which are called collectively The Allegory of Bad Government. Put Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico at the forefront of your travel plans using our Siena road trip planning tool.

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Tours to Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico

FROM $43 BOOK WITH VIATOR Guided Walking tour of Siena Guided Walking tour of Siena

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FROM $173 BOOK WITH VIATOR The best of Siena - Private Walking Tour The best of Siena - Private Walking Tour

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FROM $278 BOOK WITH VIATOR Half-day Private Walking Tour of Siena Half-day Private Walking Tour of Siena

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Duration: 3 hours

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FROM $5 BOOK WITH VIATOR Siena Self-Guided Audio Tour Siena Self-Guided Audio Tour

2.7

Duration: 1 to 6 hours

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FROM $27 BOOK WITH VIATOR Civic Museum and the places of power in Siena Civic Museum and the places of power in Siena

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Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

962 reviews

Google

4.7

By ArtsyGalBaltimore

Motivated by Hisham Matir's book, A month in Siena, to see Lorenzetti's three frescoe panels on the Allegory of the Good and Bad Government. After up and down the museo, learned in the gift shop...

Motivated by Hisham Matir's book, A month in Siena, to see Lorenzetti's three frescoe panels on the Allegory of the Good and Bad Government. After up and down the museo, learned in the gift shop... more »
By markpittscom

The FAMOUS FRESCOES ARD CLOSED until .., who knows when? Waste of time. By the way, the famous floors of the cathedral are covered 10 months of the year, and the famous fountain in the baptistery...

The FAMOUS FRESCOES ARD CLOSED until .., who knows when? Waste of time. By the way, the famous floors of the cathedral are covered 10 months of the year, and the famous fountain in the baptistery... more »
By Ruth K

Beautiful paintings and rooms. Ancient artists not very known, at least to me. The chapel in amazing. Do not hesitate to approach the guards for information. We were lucky to talk to a guide who was..... more

Beautiful paintings and rooms. Ancient artists not very known, at least to me. The chapel in amazing. Do not hesitate to approach the guards for information. We were lucky to talk to a guide who was..... more »

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By Silvia Bardotti

Simply stunning! It’s worth the visit! If you are visiting Siena take time to visit the palace and it’s wonderful terrace. We didn’t climb the tower due to knee problems.. what a pity…

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By Michael Barton

This is one of the most famous building in Siena and certainly at the center. The palace acts as a museum and icon for the city. The entry courtyard is free and offers a unique look at the tower from directly below. The ticket booth is at the back of this courtyard if you wish to enter.

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By Evan Engel

Beautiful courtyard area with shops and restaurants. Lots of history here if you read up on it. Don't ride your bike through the square! The cops will stop you!

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By Peter Ward

Do not miss this museum - put this alongside the Duomo and Piccolomini library as the 3 must sees in Siena. You really need to witness some of the ancient frescos depicting life in the 14th century. Check out wikipedia about the Palazzo and also under "The Allegory of Good and Bad Government". No queue off-season, can't say high season.

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By Adrian Tan

Such a beautiful place to be. Definitely worth the visit.

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