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Palazzo Pubblico Siena - Siena's Town Hall

The Palazzo Pubblico (Town Hall) is the focal point of both the Piazza del Campo and historic Siena. It is located on the South-Eastern edge of the Campo, at the bottom of the slope that is the track during the races. Constructed in the 1300's, its original purpose was to house the republican government. At the time, this was comprised of the Podesta (Chief Magistrate) and the Council of Nine.

History - Podesta's luxury accommodation in Siena It was the customary for the Podesta to be afforded his own luxury quarters. The Palazzo Pubblico had a personal courtyard, for his use, opening out onto the Piazza. The Council of Nine members had more communal places to stay. This division, of luxury and communal, of those in power, has made the Palazzo an often cited example of state of medieval Tuscan rule, manifested in brick. Today, the Palazzo is still used for official business and open to the public.

Architecture - what to look for

The palace's facade is a quintessential and, in some cases, archetypal, example of Siena's architecture. The Gothic mullioned windows were first installed here before appearing all over town. The walls are made from red brick with a travertine base. The tympana of the doors and lower windows are lined with black and white. These are all Sienese hallmarks.

At the palace's left base is the loggia chapel, the Cappella della Piazza. This now serves as the main entrance. It was built after the Black Death abated to give thanks for those that had been spared.

Bell Tower - Torre del Mangia The Palazzo's huge bell tower stands at 330ft (100m) - the second highest in Italy. This was was incorporated into the building in the 1340's. Its unusual name, which translates roughly as Tower of the Eater, comes from a slothful bell-ringer. Giovanni di Duccio was nicknamed Mangiaguadagni, or earnings eater. A now armless statue of him resides in the courtyard. Best views of Siena The tower's balcony provides the some of best views of Siena and the surrounding hills. There is a steep, 503-step staircase to reach the top.

What to see on the First floor

This is home to the Civic Museum. It is where Siena's most prized artwork is located. Its walls are covered in Early Renaissance frescoes.

Sala della Pace - Council of Nine meeting room

Of special note is the Sala della Pace. Here the Government of Nine held their meetings. On three sides of the room, the dangers of tyranny are spelled out in Ambrigio Lorenzetti's famous fresco cycle, Allegories of Good and Bad Government. Good Government is represented with angels embodying the seven virtues: strength, prudence, truth, magnanimity, justice, temperance, and peace (Pace translates to peace). Bad Government, on the other hand, depicts an evil corrupted ruler in the form of a dark demon. He presides over a town in which the seven deadly sins are wrought.

Lost map of the world

Adjacent to the Sala della Pace is the Sala del Mappamondo (World Map Room). It was named after the (now lost) huge mounted wooden disc by Ambrigio's brother, Pietro. It detailed the Republic's empire. The marks it left on the wall are still plain to see. The room features frescoes. Simone Martini's mysterious Guidoriccio da Fogliano is here. Also his grandiose Maesta, one of the Renaissance's most exalted Gothic pieces.