Complesso Museale Santa Maria della Scala
Complesso Museale Santa Maria della Scala
Complesso Museale Santa Maria della Scala
4.5
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
This museum complex, which houses the National Archaeological Museum of Siena, began as a pilgrims' hostel and orphanage, then served as a hospital from the 10th century to modern day.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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from $17.85
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
669 reviews
Excellent
424
Very good
176
Average
48
Poor
11
Terrible
10
Brun066
Florence, Italy12,231 contributions
Nov 2022
In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the Museum of the Hospital of Santa Maria della Scala hosts temporary exhibitions, taking advantage of the abundance of beautifully restored rooms.
I recently visited the exhibition “Arte senese. Dal Tardo Medioevo al Novecento” (Sienese art. From the Late Middle Ages to the Twentieth Century), organized using the masterpieces owned by Monte dei Paschi, the bank that has been operating in Siena for almost six centuries and has its luxurious headquarters in Palazzo Salimbeni.
In fact, Monte dei Paschi has for some time pursued a policy of purchasing works of art on the antiques market, with the aim of bringing (or bringing back) to Siena many significant works of art of the city's artistic civilization. These works therefore add to those owned by famous museums such as the "Pinacoteca nazionale" and the "Museo dell’Opera del Duomo". But unlike the latter, the works owned by Monte dei Paschi are more difficult to see (the "Museo di San Donato", which collects many of these works, is only open three days a year!), And therefore this exhibition (which is open until the beginning of January 2023) is an opportunity to enjoy them, which I wanted to take.
Visiting the exhibition, I was able to appreciate some masterpieces, among which I like to remember the cross painted in the thirteenth century by Margarito of Arezzo; the three so-called “Chigi Heroines” (Giuditta, Artemisia and Cleopatra; 1506) by Domanico Beccafumi; two small bas-reliefs by Tino di Camaino (14th century); the Madonna and child appearing in the church of San Pietro alla Magione, by Martino di Bartolomeo (15th century).
Overall, a very enjoyable experience
I recently visited the exhibition “Arte senese. Dal Tardo Medioevo al Novecento” (Sienese art. From the Late Middle Ages to the Twentieth Century), organized using the masterpieces owned by Monte dei Paschi, the bank that has been operating in Siena for almost six centuries and has its luxurious headquarters in Palazzo Salimbeni.
In fact, Monte dei Paschi has for some time pursued a policy of purchasing works of art on the antiques market, with the aim of bringing (or bringing back) to Siena many significant works of art of the city's artistic civilization. These works therefore add to those owned by famous museums such as the "Pinacoteca nazionale" and the "Museo dell’Opera del Duomo". But unlike the latter, the works owned by Monte dei Paschi are more difficult to see (the "Museo di San Donato", which collects many of these works, is only open three days a year!), And therefore this exhibition (which is open until the beginning of January 2023) is an opportunity to enjoy them, which I wanted to take.
Visiting the exhibition, I was able to appreciate some masterpieces, among which I like to remember the cross painted in the thirteenth century by Margarito of Arezzo; the three so-called “Chigi Heroines” (Giuditta, Artemisia and Cleopatra; 1506) by Domanico Beccafumi; two small bas-reliefs by Tino di Camaino (14th century); the Madonna and child appearing in the church of San Pietro alla Magione, by Martino di Bartolomeo (15th century).
Overall, a very enjoyable experience
Written November 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Florin S
6 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
The museum was a disappointment. People have complained about the convoluted structure of the building although in my opinion that is a matter of taste-and part of its special flavor. But there seems to be a complete lack of interest in maintaining it AT ALL. Lacking explanations in English, a complete mess with the mapping and indications, closed doors and empty exhibition spaces, two inch dust, toilets worse than public urinals- and that is just the surface, without commenting on the contents and presentation of the few visit worthy rooms. A sad sad experience.
Written April 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LSQRD1
Kent, OH807 contributions
Jul 2023
We were in town for the palio and looking for something to do during the day time. This museum complex is truly amazing with a wide variety of components including the former hospital ward. There are so many different elements and it is huge. There were very few people when we visited and it was a great experience. It is a little hard to figure out where you are going but the staff were helpful and the numbers provide good markers so you can make sure you don't miss anything.
Written August 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RjessMMM
Vancouver, WA564 contributions
Oct 2022
We bought an all encompassing ticket for the complex and decided to visit. Wonderful history and very interesting from a medical history standpoint for us given our medical background. As we travel off season, this place was pretty empty. During our visit we might have seen 10 people it total which was nice. I suspect this place is packed during the summer. At this top there is a lovely balcony that overlooks the beautiful vista of Siena and is a great reminder why we came in the first place. Educational, peaceful and a pleasure to visit. Enjoy.
Written November 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Redzircon
Melbourne, Australia23 contributions
Don't be fooled by the entrance, there is an exceptional collection of underground tunnels, chapels, mind blowing pile of human bones, incredible artwork and intelligently presenting the history of the town. There is also an extensive archeology museum. And more. I walked away with a much better understanding of the town after spending over two hours there. Amazing. And nearly no one there.
Written October 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AllanJGJ
Wellington, New Zealand3,822 contributions
Oct 2019
We would rank this attraction the thing to do in Siena after the Duomo, the Campo, and the Palazzo Publico. It's a quite astonishing building, over multiple levels and with some amazing rooms, including an internal street and a subterranean church. You can wander around it for hours. And it has a varied selection of art back to Roman times (there's a small archaeological museum). But the thing that will probably linger in the memory the longest is the amazing renaissance frescoes in the Sala del Pellegrino depicting example incidents from when this part of the complex was a hospital. Not just colourful and beautiful but intriguing; doctoring a patient's leg and taking a urine sample for example. You should give yourself around two hours to have a decent bash at everything this attraction has to offer.
Written October 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tinaNtravel
San Jose, CA1,883 contributions
Oct 2019
Santa Maria Della Scala was amazing! I was surprised by how much there is to see. I wished I had more time here. Also, surprisingly, there were very few tourists. I was the only person in some rooms. There are many rooms and floors and I suspect it is easy to miss things. There is an amazing church inside plus some rooms with stunning ceilings and a beautiful chapel. On the bottom level is an archeologist museum which seems to go on forever. In one area you walk from one section to the next through a cave like opening. There are also a number of videos that provide additional information. With the large number of rooms and floors I likely missed somethings but what I saw was impressive.
Written December 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TAR100
Hobart, Australia113 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
We were expecting a hospital museum but it is far more than that! There were your traditional works of art, relics of saints, crypts but very pleasingly there were a range of exhibits by very modern artists as well.
It is a lot larger than you think. You kept on being surprised so well worth a visit.
BTW toilets are only in the museums so take the opportunity 😀
It is a lot larger than you think. You kept on being surprised so well worth a visit.
BTW toilets are only in the museums so take the opportunity 😀
Written July 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Wandering Reviewer
Melbourne, Australia9,804 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
We just loved it here and with all the lovely things to see it was certainly worth our while. So much to see in Siena but put this one on your list. Wonderful.
Take your time to explore every nook and cranny as some of the nicest things are a little out of the way.
Wheelchair and kid friendly.
Take your time to explore every nook and cranny as some of the nicest things are a little out of the way.
Wheelchair and kid friendly.
Written May 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
westy54
Sydney, Australia9,046 contributions
Jul 2019
The former hospital and hospice that occupied this site and which has now been transformed into a huge museum complex commenced operating before the 12th century. The Santa Maria della Scala organisation provided a large number of services to the people including taking in abandoned babies and children, serving meals to the poor, treating the sick and caring for pilgrims who often received free food and lodgings. The Via Francigena, the main pilgramage road to Rome, passed through Siena and near the hospital which is located directly opposite the Duomo.
The hospital complex was greatly expanded over the course of the many centuries following its establishment and it became part of the University during the 18th century. The hospital though ceased operating in the second half of the 20th century and, following a period of substantial renovation and refurbishment, the hospital opened as a museum in 1995. Those renovations and refurbishments are still ongoing.
The complex encompasses three levels, has its own internal covered roadway, its own 13th century church, the magnificently frescoed and ornately decorated marble and gold plated Chiesa di Santissima Annunziata, a separate Archaeological museum with a vast array of Etruscan and Roman urns, pottery, statues etc, a museum dedicated to children (not a must see), cavernous beautifully frescoed Pilgrim halls that used to be used to house the pilgrims and the sick plus much more.
Down another flight of stairs and there are several large rooms, including the former granary, that house the original marble statues from the Fonte Gaia by Jacopo della Quercia as well as a treasury that holds precious relics and reliquary. There is also the Oratorio di Santa Caterina della Notte where it is said that Saint Catherine of Siena, who worked in the hospital, passed her nights in prayer.
There are beautiful frescoes and paintings in many of the halls and chambers.
There was also a visiting temporary art exhibition during our visit that had some lovely paintings.
There are a lot of steps but we did notice one lift so I would say that it may be wheelchair friendly.
Cost of entry was EUR 9-00 per adult but there are a number of combination tickets for entry to here plus the Duomo or for entry to here plus the Torre del Mangia and the Museo Civico which is the combination that we purchased for EUR 20-00 per person.
This complex has something new and interesting at the end of each corridor and tunnel and whilst it is a bit of a labyrinth, it is not that difficult to navigate although I would allow a good two hours to see most of it.
Well worth the time.
The hospital complex was greatly expanded over the course of the many centuries following its establishment and it became part of the University during the 18th century. The hospital though ceased operating in the second half of the 20th century and, following a period of substantial renovation and refurbishment, the hospital opened as a museum in 1995. Those renovations and refurbishments are still ongoing.
The complex encompasses three levels, has its own internal covered roadway, its own 13th century church, the magnificently frescoed and ornately decorated marble and gold plated Chiesa di Santissima Annunziata, a separate Archaeological museum with a vast array of Etruscan and Roman urns, pottery, statues etc, a museum dedicated to children (not a must see), cavernous beautifully frescoed Pilgrim halls that used to be used to house the pilgrims and the sick plus much more.
Down another flight of stairs and there are several large rooms, including the former granary, that house the original marble statues from the Fonte Gaia by Jacopo della Quercia as well as a treasury that holds precious relics and reliquary. There is also the Oratorio di Santa Caterina della Notte where it is said that Saint Catherine of Siena, who worked in the hospital, passed her nights in prayer.
There are beautiful frescoes and paintings in many of the halls and chambers.
There was also a visiting temporary art exhibition during our visit that had some lovely paintings.
There are a lot of steps but we did notice one lift so I would say that it may be wheelchair friendly.
Cost of entry was EUR 9-00 per adult but there are a number of combination tickets for entry to here plus the Duomo or for entry to here plus the Torre del Mangia and the Museo Civico which is the combination that we purchased for EUR 20-00 per person.
This complex has something new and interesting at the end of each corridor and tunnel and whilst it is a bit of a labyrinth, it is not that difficult to navigate although I would allow a good two hours to see most of it.
Well worth the time.
Written September 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheRam25
Brescia, Italy45 contributions
è possibile fare foto all'interno?
Antonino P
Tricesimo, Italy421 contributions
Si naturalmente senza usare il flash!
lorben17
Turin, Italy45 contributions
Buongiorno avendo letto le recensioni ho visto che è un complesso museale un po incasinato....
cosa c'è da vedere all'interno?
MARYPOSA00
Parma, Italy481 contributions
Quelli che ho elencato sono tesori da vedere e si deve far dire dove sono all'ingresso. poi comunque vagherà un pò specie se chi è all'ingresso non indicherà per bene
Alice V
Vacqueyras, France338 contributions
Quel est le prix pour entrer dans ce musée ?
MARYPOSA00
Parma, Italy481 contributions
INGRESSO € 9 Ridotto: € 7 per studenti o gruppi, over 65 e disabili. Famiglie 20 EURO 2 adulti+minori superiori ad anni 11
ORARIO dal martedì alla domenica dalle 10:00 alle 19:00 È possibile richiedere una visita guidata telefonando allo 0577 286300
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Claim your listingComplesso Museale Santa Maria della Scala - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Complesso Museale Santa Maria della Scala
- Complesso Museale Santa Maria della Scala admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $17.75, while a popular guided tour starts around $44.38 per person.
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Complesso Museale Santa Maria della Scala:
- Complesso Museale Santa Maria della Scala Entrance Ticket in Siena (From $17.75)
- Guided Walking tour of Siena with Cathedral (From $44.38)
- Siena's Palio Horse Race from Florence Including Sightseeing Tour and Dinner (From $110.95)
- Siena: Family Tour (From $127.60)
- Siena private guided tour for families (From $199.72)
- Hotels near Complesso Museale Santa Maria della Scala:
- (0.07 mi) Residenza d'Epoca Palazzo Borghesi
- (0.10 mi) Casacenti
- (0.10 mi) Piazza Paradiso Accomodation
- (0.10 mi) Il Battistero Siena
- (0.08 mi) B&B Palazzo del Magnifico
- Restaurants near Complesso Museale Santa Maria della Scala:
- (0.03 mi) Caffetteria Del Santa Maria Della Scala
- (0.10 mi) Panificio Il Magnifico
- (0.09 mi) Vineria Tirabuscio
- (0.08 mi) Antica Osteria da Divo
- (0.07 mi) La Vecchia Latteria
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