Things to Do at Palazzo Pubblico

Complete Guide to Palazzo Pubblico in Siena

About Palazzo Pubblico

Palazzo Pubblico in Siena showcases authentic historical architecture and cultural artifacts preserved through careful restoration efforts. Admission ranges from €8 (9 USD) to €22 (25 USD) depending on guided tour options and seasonal pricing variations. The site features original construction materials and period-appropriate furnishings that provide genuine insights into local heritage and traditional craftsmanship. Visit during weekday mornings when crowds are smaller and lighting is optimal for photography The experience combines educational value with atmospheric details where weathered stone surfaces warm under morning sunlight while visitors explore spaces that have witnessed centuries of local history and cultural development.

What to See & Do

Sala dei Nove (Room of the Nine)

Home to Lorenzetti's striking Allegory of Good and Bad Government frescoes - genuinely one of the most important secular painting cycles of the medieval period

Torre del Mangia

The 102-meter tower offers impressive panoramic views over Siena and the Tuscan countryside, though you'll need to climb 400 steps to earn them

Sala del Mappamondo

Features Simone Martini's magnificent Maestà fresco and his portrait of military leader Guidoriccio da Fogliano - masterpieces of Sienese painting

Chapel of the Priors

A small but exquisite space with beautiful frescoes and wooden choir stalls that showcase the craftsmanship of medieval Siena

Loggia

The upper loggia provides lovely views over the Piazza del Campo and is a perfect spot to appreciate the palazzo's architectural details

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally open daily 10am-7pm (summer) and 10am-6pm (winter), though hours can vary seasonally. The tower typically closes earlier and may have limited access in bad weather.

Tickets & Pricing

Combined museum and tower tickets around €20 for adults, museum only about €10. Torre del Mangia requires separate timed entry tickets which tend to sell out, especially in peak season.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. The light in the frescoed rooms is particularly beautiful in the late afternoon.

Suggested Duration

Allow 2-3 hours for the museum and tower combined, or about 90 minutes for just the museum

Getting There

The Palazzo Pubblico is impossible to miss. This medieval masterpiece anchors Piazza del Campo in Siena's historic center, which means you'll stumble across it while exploring the city. Don't drive into the centro storico. Park outside the historic walls at designated lots and walk in-the old town bans most cars anyway. The train station sits about 20 minutes downhill on foot. Local buses run regularly if you can't handle the climb.

Things to Do Nearby

Piazza del Campo
The shell-shaped medieval square that surrounds the palazzo - one of Europe's most beautiful public spaces and home to the famous Palio horse race

Duomo di Siena
Siena's striking Gothic cathedral with its striped marble facade and incredible interior, just a short walk uphill from the Campo

Pinacoteca Nazionale
Houses the world's finest collection of Sienese paintings, perfect for understanding the artistic context of what you've seen in the palazzo

Santa Maria della Scala
Former hospital turned museum complex with fascinating medieval frescoes and archaeological finds, directly opposite the Duomo

Via di Città
One of Siena's most charming medieval streets, lined with palaces and shops, connecting the Campo to the cathedral area

Tips & Advice

Book tower tickets online in advance - they often sell out, especially during summer and on weekends

The museum can get quite crowded midday, so early morning visits tend to be more peaceful for appreciating the frescoes

Bring a small flashlight or use your phone's light to better see details in some of the darker frescoed areas

The climb up Torre del Mangia is genuinely strenuous and not recommended if you have mobility issues or claustrophobia - the stairs are narrow and steep