Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia, Siena

The Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia, in Siena

The Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia dominate the Piazza del Campo and form the most powerful symbol of Siena. The Siena audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this emblematic ensemble, the former seat of the Government of the Nine, and its famous slender tower.

The town palace and its slender tower

Dominating the Piazza del Campo, the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia form the most powerful symbol of Siena. Built from 1297 and inaugurated in 1310, the town palace sheltered the seat of the Government of the Nine, the governing body of the Republic of Siena at its apogee. These nine citizens, chosen by lot among the bourgeoisie, exercised the power for only two months, an original system in force from 1287 to 1355 that aimed to prevent the town from being dominated by a single faction. The palace, of Gothic style, today shelters the Museo Civico, famous for its exceptional frescoes, including the Maestà of Simone Martini and the Allegory of Good and Bad Government of Ambrogio Lorenzetti. At its side rises the Torre del Mangia, one of the tallest medieval towers of Italy, whose summit offers an unforgettable panorama over the town and the Tuscan hills. A symbol of the civic power of Siena, this ensemble is a must-see stop.

What to see

You admire the Gothic town palace inaugurated in 1310, the former seat of the Government of the Nine, which shelters the Museo Civico and its exceptional frescoes, including the Maestà of Simone Martini and the Allegory of Good and Bad Government of Lorenzetti, and the Torre del Mangia, one of the tallest towers of Italy, with an unforgettable panorama. The Palazzo Pubblico is the civic symbol of Siena. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia lie on the Piazza del Campo, in the heart of Siena, reachable on foot. You admire the ensemble freely from the square; the visit of the Museo Civico and the climb of the tower follow their own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming.

What was the Palazzo Pubblico of Siena?

The town palace, seat of the Government of the Nine, the governing body of the Republic of Siena from 1287 to 1355; inaugurated in 1310, it today shelters the Museo Civico and its famous frescoes, and the neighbouring Torre del Mangia is one of the tallest towers of Italy.