Palazzo del Pubblico has been Siena’s town hall since the 13th century, and its Museo Civico highlights works by the Sienese school. Dating from the late Middle Ages, these paintings and frescoes were some of the first to depict nonreligious themes, including government, justice, and patriotic devotion, in civic buildings. Other museum highlights include Simone Martini'sMajesty (Maestà) altarpiece and Taddeo di Bartolo’sLife of the Madonna (Storie della Madonna).
Siena’s Museo Civico is a top attraction in the city center, so book skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid a wait. The museum is often included in walking tours of the historical center along with landmarks such as the Piazza del Campo, the Torre del Mangia tower, and Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena). Siena is a popular stop on day trips to the Chianti region of Tuscany from Florence and Rome, which may include stops in Pisa or San Gimignano, as well.