Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
events in the Risorgimento (unification of Italy). Next to it is the
Sala di Balia
(Room of
Authority), with 15th-century frescoes recounting the life of Pope Alexander III (the
Sienese Rolando Bandinelli).
Anticappella & Vestibolo
Taddeo di Bartolo painted the frescoes in the
Anticappella
(Chapel entrance hall) in
1415, illustrating the virtues needed for the proper exercise of power (Justice, Magnan-
imity, Strength, Prudence, Religion) as well as depictions of leading Republicans in an-
cient Rome. The
Vestibolo
(Vestibule) is next door; its star attraction is a bronze wolf,
the symbol of Siena.
Simone Martini's Maestà
Simone Martini's striking
Maestà
(Virgin Mary in Majesty; 1315) holds court in the
Sala
del Mappamondo
(Hall of the World Map); it is Martini's first known work. Another
work attributed to Martini, his oft-reproduced fresco (1328-30) of Sienese army captain
Guidoriccio da Fogliano, is opposite.
Allegories of Good and Bad Government
The
Sala dei Nove
(Hall of the Nine) showcases this splendid fresco cycle (c 1338-40)
by Ambrogio Lorenzetti. The central allegory portrays scenes with personifications of
Justice, Wisdom, Virtue and Peace. Set perpendicular from it are two scenes: one depict-
ing an idyllic city with joyous citizens; the other filled with vice, crime and disease.
Top Tips
›
Four combined passes - SIA Summer, SIA Winter, Musei Comunali and Museo Civico/Torre del Mangia -
cover the museum and can potentially save you money.
›
After your visit, consider crossing the Campo and visiting the Museo delle Tavolette di Biccherna (
Click here
), a modest but charming museum in the city's historic state archives.
