Siena might not be worldwide famous for its art like some other places in Italy, but that doesn’t mean the city shouldn’t be attractive to art lovers. Throughout history, the city had a prolific art scene that featured prominent painters like Duccio and Simone Martini. It even had its own distinct art movement, called the Sienese School, between the 13th and 15th century. As a result, many art museums can be found in Siena. Here are the best ones.
Museo Civico
Part of the Palazzo Pubblico, Siena’s city hall, Museo Civico is a place where you can check out some of the early artworks of the Sienese School. The museum is home to a number of paintings and frescoes from artists like Simone Martini and Guidoriccio da Fogliano. However, the most famous one is the “Good and Bad Government” by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, painted on three Sala Dei Nove hall walls.
Santa Maria Della Scala
Before it was turned into a museum, Santa Maria Della Scala served as a hospital. During the 14th century, the hospital commissioned artists from Siena to do interior and exterior frescoes and paintings for the building. Exterior frescoes were destroyed over time, but the interior ones still remain and include works from the Lorenzetti brothers and Martini. Many early sculptures and altarpieces are also kept here.
Pinacoteca Nazionale
Pinacoteca Nazionale has the most extensive collection of Sienese School paintings as well as works from various Italian artists from the Renaissance period. Besides the works from Duccio, Lorenzetti brothers and Martini, the museum also houses works from Domenico di Bartolo, Giovanni di Paolo, and Sano di Pietro.