Museums of Siena: the accessible medieval town

The Academy of the "Physiocritics" houses a natural collection dating back to the middle of the 18th century. Anatomical preparations made by the technique of injecting metallic mercury into lymphatic vessels are rather interesting, the terracotta models of mushrooms and manuscripts related to the life and history of the Academy and of the Siena science. The museum and baths are fully accessible except for the hypogeum, an archaeological section that includes some Etruscan cinerary urns.

The Cathedral of Siena is one of the best known examples of an Italian Romanesque-Gothic cathedral. The majestically beautiful building is accessible through a special entrance located to the left-hand side of the main staircase. 
The Piccolomini Library is located inside the Cathedral and is accessible thanks to a platform located on the left-hand side of the main entrance.

The Civic Museum of Siena, housed inside the Palazzo Pubblico, preserves precious frescos, among which La Maestà, the Guidoriccio da Fogliano by Simone Martini and the cycle of the Buon Governo by Ambrogio Lorenzetti. The museum is fully accessible by elevator.

The Pinacoteca Nazionale of Siena boasts a collection that is unique in the world, especially for the masterpieces of painting from the Siena school. The exhibition houses works by Duccio di Boninsegna, Simone Martini, and Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti. The structure is fully accessible thanks to an elevator leading to the floors, which are accessible through stairlifts.

Santa Maria della Scala, located in Piazza del Duomo, is one of Siena's most important museums and cultural centers. In the complex all rooms are accessible. The lower floors can be accessed accompanied by museum custodians through external corridors. There is also the possibility of educational services with reservations for groups intended for the visually impaired.

Dating back to the thirteenth century, the church of St. Augustine was built based on a design by Luigi Vanvitelli. Among the many masterpieces still preserved here, Pietro Perugino's Crucifixion and the canvases depicting the Baptism of Constantine are noteworthy, the Tempted St. Anthony and the Adoration of the Magi, respectively attributable to Francesco Vanni, Rutilio Manetti and Sodoma. The church is accessible through a side entrance. The bathroom, on the other hand, is not accessible.

Inside the Palazzo delle Papesse is located the Contemporary Art Center, which organizes group and solo exhibitions. The building is accessible by an elevator. There are only 4 steps at the entrance with a side entrance for the disabled; the bathroom is located in the courtyard accessed by a ramp.

The Art museum for kids of Siena is a place where young children can learn about art technics, learn about materials, and meet famous artists up close. The museum is on the 3rd floor, accessible by elevator. Tactile materials for the blind are available.