Santa Maria della Scala

Oct 8 2025. Wow. Wish I had more than 1.5 hours here. Could easily return to Siena and return here to find something new or to re-enjoy. Beautiful artwork displays, interpretive and historical displays of all types. So much of Siena’s history here that I went to re-visit some of its sites with a new perspective. Amazing value for the admission price - much less than other places visited in Italy. Purchased ticket at door and did self tour. Layout of floors was tricky at first to navigate but I figured it out eventually. Staff was helpful with audio guide as it was slow to download. Was not busy at all and it was nice to have time to read and appreciate the displays without a crowd.

This place is amazing! Such great value for only 7 euros (October 2025). Plan to spend quite a few hours here as there are so many levels, and like most other places I Italy, the further underground you go, the further back on history you go - all the way to the Etruscan times.

Loved it!! Mosaics on the floor are priceless, the library is astonishing, as well as all the paintings. A true architectural gem. One of the best cathedral i ever seen. Truly amazing!

One of the most spectacular museums we've been to in Italy. The wall frescos are remarkable and the archeological museum underground is an enchanting experience with a seemingly endless maze of discoveries.

The best 7 euros i have spent, this place is like the tardis we could have spent days here. What a highlight of our trip

A rather odd museum which is still a work in progress and, you feel, is the result of trying to find a use for what should be a fascinating building. The building was an old hospital from medieval times until the late twentieth century, built on and into the side of the hill that the cathedral is on. It is huge and, as a result of its situation, you go in and then descend a further three floors. Because of its size the various collections rather rattle around in there, and you tend to come across them rather unexpectedly - and they are a bit of an odd mixture. Also, the poor signage not only keeps you guessing as to what you’ll find, but also lacks signs pointing towards the exit which, given the labyrinthine nature of the building, is a bit disconcerting. All this being said, there’s a lot of interest here, and the building itself is full of atmosphere, so I would certainly recommend visiting as long as you have the time and you understand what you’re heading into.

Excellent tour of the Siena underground!!!!This apparently was the worlds oldest hospital. It has so much to see. Absolutely beautiful experience and a fantastic way to cool down mid day it’s it’s very hot- which it was. We spent about 2 hours here but we all wanted to see more. Lots lots of history! Etruscan and Roman artifacts. Beautiful!!!

Unforgettable museum experience, never want to repeat that again. Many of the Google reviews incorrectly reference photos and information for the cathedral and library across the street, which is not at all related to the Santa Maria della Scala. Less than 20 people were in the museum when we entered around 1630 on a Thursday. The ticket checker suggested we download an Android/iOS audio guide app for the museum, which seems impractical when the museum doesn’t provide WiFi. After entering there is little to “guide” you through the museum. The level you start on is fairly barren, the first room on your right and the big room with the frescos are really all you should bother seeing. The museum had several “temporary” exhibits which were modern era art projects, which seemed like they were expressly designed to ride the coattails of the primary exhibit. Downstairs there is an architectural display and altar with some religious relics. The Downstairs was equally baren with long hallways leading to empty rooms, and even a random dead end. Overall the museum seemed very confused with what they wanted to showcase and left you lost. We paid €9/ea for a ticket, but I’d value the experience around €3 given a ticket for the stunning cathedral and library across the street is €5.

An amazing example of form and function combined with art. The original hospital of Siena in use for hundreds of years and continually added to. Finally shuttered in 1995. Filled with art and galleries and churches and and and...amazing multi level complex that is a walk through the history of Siena. Don't miss out on this museum when you go to Siena.