Palazzo Pubblico of Siena – one of the finest examples of civic Gothic architecture in Italy

History and description

Built between 1297 and 1310 by the Government of the Nine of the Republic of Siena as their seat, the Palazzo Pubblico is externally characterized by a façade composed of different sections, each linked to a construction phase and therefore made of different materials. At its center are the trigram of Christ and the Medici coat of arms, along with a series of arches, portals, and large windows in the Sienese style. Inside, the palace has been decorated since the 14th century, even before its structural completion. It features an atrium and the Sala delle Lupe, divided into four bays and adorned with frescoes such as Saints and Blessed Pietro Alessandrino, Ambrogio Sansedoni, and Andrea Gallerani by Sano di Pietro, Madonna and Child with the Young St. John by Riccio, and several 17th‑century works, as well as the current office of the Secretary General of the Municipality. Another entrance leads to the Cortile del Podestà, distinguished by pointed‑arch triforas and numerous porticoes, culminating in a staircase that gives access to the tower, near the remains of the Statue of Mangia. Today, while still housing the municipal administration, the palace also hosts the Civic Museum, divided into various frescoed rooms by the great masters of Sienese art, such as the Sala dei Cardinali with works by Ambrogio Lorenzetti and the Sala del Mappamondo with masterpieces by Simone Martini. It also contains the Teatro Comunale dei Rinnovati, formerly the Grand Council Hall of the Republic.

Curiosities

A fascinating detail is the architectural harmony between the palace and the square: the curved façade of the building follows the concave shape of the piazza, symbolizing the cohesion between political power and the citizenry.

Access

Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, the building and its museum can be visited for €6, with free admission and specific reductions available.

How to reach it

Located in Siena’s historic center, the palace can be reached from the railway station by bus to the city center, or on foot while strolling through the streets of the city.

An iconic symbol of Siena, together with its tower and the square in which it stands, the Palazzo Pubblico is an unmissable stop in discovering the city.

Photo credits: File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske) (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 2.0