Siena: Museo Civico vs Santa Maria della Scala

We spent four days in Siena last month. It was our second visit to Siena so we skipped going in the Duomo again (although we prefer it to Florence's) and visited Santa Maria della Scala. I actually got a little claustrophobic in there because you go down, down, down below the main floor. I have not been to the Museo Civico but I think della Scala was pretty cool. I think there were a grand total of 10 people touring it when we were there!

I love Siena and cannot wait to go back!! I'd say do both museums but wander around time is crucial in Siena. I did both museums and would want to know what you're more interested in. I'd lean more toward Museo Civico. You'll get a real sense of Siena's history, some great art in situ and the amazing architecture of the building itself. Of course, Santa Maria has much of that, but the Museo Civico seems to let us feel a bit of the old republic. Enjoy Siena!

I am an American living in Siena (since 2010). I have been to both, but during the off-season when I had each place to myself. I loved the Santa Maria della Scala building and its history (as a hospital for pilgrims starting during the Dark Ages and up to WWII). I would place the great hall as one of the finest hospital rooms ever because of its ceiling and wall frescoes. The chapel is stupendous also. When I was there they were in the process of excavating below the ground floor so I didn't see what they came up with but I'm sure it's fantastic in such an historical spot. I see from their excellent website that these catacombs are open now and are rooms of the museum. I don't recall the art being especially fantastic except the "Slaughter of the Innocents"; I spent about 10 minutes taking in all the emotions and carnage of that moving painting. I would recommend visiting the Santa Maria della Scala website before you go, to get excited about it. Il Museo Civico (City Hall Museum) on Il Campo, is also one to see because of the architecture and frescoes (what I love about frescoes is that they were painted right there). It's eye-opening to see such wealthand democracyin the room where Siena decisions were made, considering that this was around 1300. Siena was a small country, really, about that time. Siena, since about 1400, has benefited from a huge local bank, so it has a wealth of paintings from the Senese movement and they are all at the City Hall. I have to admit that, after going there, I could do without seeing another Madonna and Child for the rest of my life. (Shame that I live in Italy, huh?) Both are worth going to, for a different piece of senese (Sienese)and world history. Give "La Scala" 1-2 hours. Give "Il Civico" 1-1.5 hours. They are a 5-minute walk from each other. Beth Young
Siena