Siena Cathedral tickets & OPA SI Pass
Visitors flock to Siena Cathedral (also known as Duomo di Siena), to admire its awe-inspiring interiors, featuring works by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini, as well as the stunning Piccolomini Library adorned with frescoes by Pinturicchio. The Cathedral Museum, Baptistery, and the breathtaking views from the Panorama del Facciatone—a viewpoint atop the unfinished facade—offer a deeper dive into the cathedral’s rich history and artistry. This guide provides everything you need to know about tickets, prices, opening hours, discounts, and tips for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Snapshot
Mon to Sat: 10 am–7 pm*
Sun: 1.30 pm–6 pm
Duration: 2 hours
Best time: 10 am
Ticket cost: €8 onwards
*Peak season (1 Mar to 3 Nov) timings
Types of Siena Cathedral tickets
There are four ways to experience Siena Cathedral –
| Ticket Type | Inclusions |
|---|---|
| Basic Entry Ticket (€8) | Access to Siena Cathedral and Piccolomini Library only. |
| OPA SI PASS (€17) | Access to all six attractions within the Cathedral complex. |
| Guided Tour (€90) | 2 to 3-hour guided tour of Siena City and Siena Cathedral. |
| Private Guided Tour (€275) | 2-hour private tour of the Cathedral for your group. |
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Basic Entry Ticket
The basic entry ticket is the most affordable option for visiting Siena Cathedral, but it’s far from the best way to experience everything it offers.
While it grants access to the Cathedral and the stunning Piccolomini Library, it excludes several key attractions that make the site remarkable.
With the basic ticket, you miss out on the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Crypt, the Opera del Duomo Museum, and the panoramic views from the Facciatone.
Many visitors are unaware of this and settle for the basic ticket, unintentionally skipping some of Siena’s most fascinating highlights.
Ticket price
Adult ticket (12+ years): €8
Youth ticket (7 to 11 years): €8
Child ticket (up to 6 years): €2.30
Note: If you want to explore everything in the Cathedral, check out Opa Si Pass explained below.
Directions: How to reach Siena Cathedral
Opa Si Pass – the best ticket
The Opa Si Pass is a single ticket that grants access to all the sites within the Siena Cathedral complex, except for the “Gate of Heaven” tour which requires a separate ticket.
The pass is valid for three consecutive days from the date of purchase, granting visitors a one-time entry to each site during that period.
It includes a free smartphone audio guide available directly on smartphones, enhancing the visitor experience with commentary and historical context.
It’s an ideal way to experience the various facets of the complex without having to purchase individual tickets.
OPA SI pass gets its name from the Italian word ‘Opera’, which means “workshop factory of art” –
- OPA: Stands for Opera, which is one of the oldest Italian organizations that constructs and maintains sacred buildings
- SI: Refers to the Siena Cathedral Monumental Complex
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What sites are included in Opa Si Pass?
Opa Si Pass gets you access to almost all the attractions in the Siena Cathedral complex.
- Siena Cathedral (1): Access to the main church and its stunning interior.
- Piccolomini Library (1): A beautifully frescoed library within the Cathedral.
- Opera del Duomo Museum (2): Houses significant artworks and offers a panoramic view of Siena from its terrace.
- Facciatone (2): A stunning viewpoint providing sweeping vistas of the city.
- Crypt (3): An archaeological area showcasing the Cathedral’s early history.
- Baptistery of San Giovanni (4): Famous for its exquisite baptismal font.
You can visit all included sites once during the validity period of this pass, which is three days.
Cost of Opa Si Pass
The Opa Si Pass costs €17.10 for all visitors 12 years and above. Kids 7 to 11 pay a discounted rate of €5.60, while kids six and younger pay only €2.30.
Admission is free for children under seven, those born or residing in the municipality of Siena, and students from the University of Siena and the University for Foreigners of Siena.
Special: Gate of Heaven Tour at Siena Cathedral
Where to buy and how does it work
The Opa Si Pass can be purchased online or in person at the “PRENOTATI” ticket office (Reservations) at ticket office no. 1, 15 minutes before the reserved time.
We suggest you get them online to avoid waiting in the queue.
Immediately after purchase, you will get OPA SI PASS in your email. On the day of your visit, you must exchange the voucher for a physical ticket at the ticket office.
Visitors booking tickets at a reduced price or free of charge will need to present proof of identity while exchanging OPA SI PASS for a physical ticket.
Buy This PassGate of Heaven tour (Porta del Cielo), a tour of the Cathedral’s rooftop areas, is not included in the standard OPA SI PASS and requires a separate ticket.
Why OPA SI PASS is worth it?
Comprehensive Access: The OPA SI PASS provides access to almost all of the attractions within the Siena Cathedral Complex, including the Cathedral, the Piccolomini Library, the Baptistery, the Crypt, the Museo dell’Opera, the Panorama from the Unfinished Facade, and the Oratory of St. Bernardino. Visitors can explore each site at their leisure and discover this remarkable complex’s artistic, historical, and religious significance.
Cost-Effectiveness: Purchasing the OPA SI PASS is generally more economical than buying individual tickets for each attraction. This is particularly beneficial for visitors who plan to see multiple sites within the complex.
Three-Day Validity: The OPA SI PASS is valid for three consecutive days from the date of purchase, providing ample time to explore the complex thoroughly. Visitors can revisit their favorite sites, take breaks, and enjoy the city without feeling rushed.
Skip-the-Line Entry: The OPA SI PASS often includes priority access to the Cathedral and other sites within the complex, allowing visitors to bypass long queues and maximize their time.
Free Audio Guide: The OPA SI PASS includes a free audio guide, available on smartphones, which provides insightful commentary, making the visit even more worthwhile. Tourists describe the Opa Si Pass audio guide as comprehensive, narrated at your own pace, and easy to use, with a map included in the audio download.
For tourists seeking a comprehensive and convenient way to explore the treasures of the Siena Cathedral complex, the Opa Si Pass is an excellent choice.
Guided tour of Siena Cathedral
Guided tours are a better way of exploring the Siena Cathedral because you better appreciate its stunning architecture, rich history, and artistic treasures.
Additionally, guided tours often include priority access, saving time and enhancing your overall experience.
These tours are available in two flavors, the 2-hour- and 3-hour, and cost around €90 for all visitors seven years and above.
Note: If you prefer customization and are not on a budget, we suggest you book a private tour of the Cathedral.
FAQs about Siena Cathedral tickets
Here are some questions tourists have about Siena Cathedral tickets:
What does a Siena Cathedral ticket include?
Different ticket options provide access to different areas of the complex. The OPA SI Pass includes access to all sites of the complex except the Gate of Heaven. It includes the Cathedral, Crypt, Piccolomini Library, Cathedral Museum, Facciatone, and Baptistery.
Is it possible to skip the lines at Siena Cathedral?
Yes, there are a few ways to skip the lines at the ticket office. You can purchase tickets online in advance, join a guided tour that includes skip-the-line access, or get an OPA SI Pass that includes priority entrance.
Where should I exchange the Siena Cathedral ticket voucher?
If you’ve purchased your Siena Duomo tickets online, head to the “reserved ticket line” located to the left of the Cathedral entrance. Present the voucher on your mobile device to exchange it for a physical ticket.
Are there any discounts available?
Yes, discounts are available for certain groups, including children, students, and disabled visitors. Children under 7 are free, and children 7-11 can enjoy a 70% discount. People born or residing in Siena also have free access to the entire complex.
Is identification required for ticket discounts?
A valid proof of identity is required to verify age or eligibility for discounted group rates. Without proper identification, visitors will forfeit the discount and will need to purchase a full-price ticket.
How long is a Siena Cathedral ticket valid for?
The OPA SI Pass is valid for three consecutive days from the date of issue.
Does Siena Cathedral offer family tickets?
No, the Cathedral doesn’t offer family tickets. However, it does offer discounted tickets for kids aged seven to 11 and free entry for kids below seven.
How do Siena Cathedral audio guides work?
The Siena Cathedral audio guide is accessible on a smartphone and is included with the OPA Si Pass and regular ticket. The comprehensive narration happens at your own pace with an easy-to-use map on the audio download. The understanding of the Duomo as a historical, architectural, cultural, civic, and, above all, Christian endeavour is laid out very well in the audio guide.
Is Siena Cathedral wheelchair accessible?
The Cathedral is wheelchair accessible, but some areas, like the Museum, Crypt, and baptistery, may not be fully accessible due to the structure’s age and size.
Siena Cathedral’s dress code
Siena Cathedral enforces a strict dress code that all visitors – both tourists and locals – must adhere to.
Entry to the church is not permitted if your attire does not comply with the dress code, even if you hold a valid ticket.
| What’s allowed | What’s not allowed |
|---|---|
| Hats or scarves (if respectful of the setting) | Sleeveless tops or tank tops |
| Long pants or skirts | Shorts or skirts above the knee |
| Closed-toe shoes or sandals | Beachwear or flip-flops |
| Hats or scarves (if respectful to the setting) | Hats worn inside the church |
| Religious or culturally appropriate attire | Clothing with offensive prints or slogans |
While there is no specific dress code for footwear at the church, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes. You may need to stand in long queues and do some walking while exploring the church and its surroundings.