During the peak season, from 1 March to 3 November, the Siena Cathedral is open from 10 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday. It opens in the afternoon on Sundays and public holidays, welcoming visitors from 1:30 pm to 6 pm.
The last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
| Dates | Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 27 Jun – 31 Jul* | Monday – Saturday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Sunday and Public Holidays | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM | |
| 18 Aug – 16 Oct* | Monday – Saturday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Sunday and Public Holidays | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM | |
| 04 Nov – 24 Dec | Monday – Saturday | 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Sunday and Public Holidays | 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM | |
| 26 Dec – 07 Jan | Daily | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday and Eve of Public Holidays | 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM | |
| Sunday and Public Holidays | 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
*When Cathedral floor is open for viewing
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Siena Cathedral Mass Times
On weekdays, Siena Cathedral’s Mass is held at 9:30 AM in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Vow.
On holidays and the days before holidays, morning Masses are conducted at 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:15 PM. During summer the evening Mass is at 6:30 PM while in the other months it is at 6:00 PM.
When the Cathedral’s marble floor is uncovered, Mass is temporarily relocated to the Church of the Santissima Annunziata. During this time, weekday Mass continues at 9:30 AM, while holiday Masses are held between 8:00 AM and 6:30 PM.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Siena Cathedral is when it opens at 10 am, after the 9.30 am Mass. The Cathedral experiences a period of quiet after the morning mass disperses, making it an ideal time for a tranquil visit.
The next best times are late afternoons as visitors break for lunch, providing a more serene atmosphere.
Weekdays generally see fewer visitors compared to weekends, offering a more peaceful experience.
The Cathedral is especially popular with tour groups and cruise ship passengers during summer.
To see the inlaid marble floor of Siena Cathedral, visit between mid-August and late October when the floor is not under wraps. Be aware that ticket prices are higher and the Cathedral will be more crowded during this time.
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How long does it take?
The OPA SI Pass itinerary, which includes access to all the sites within the Siena Cathedral complex (except the Gate of Heaven rooftop tour), takes about two hours to complete.
However, if you are an ardent art fan, you might want to spend more time perusing the museum’s collection in-depth.
Keep in mind that the complex includes multiple attractions:
- The Cathedral: Explore its vast interior, intricate marble mosaic floor, sculptures, and artwork.
- Piccolomini Library: Admire the frescoes by Pinturicchio and the cathedral’s architecture
- Baptistery: Descend an impressive staircase and admire the frescoes and the baptismal font.
- Museo dell’Opera: Discover masterpieces of Sienese art, including Duccio’s Maestà and sculptures.
- Crypt: Explore a room with paintings depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
- Facciatone: Climb up to the panoramic terrace for breathtaking views of the city and countryside.
- Gate of Heaven: This guided rooftop tour offers unique perspectives of the cathedral’s interior and exterior.
- Musical Chapels: Witness the beauty of sacred music performed by two distinct choirs.
The OPA Si Pass (the complete access pass) is valid for three consecutive days, allowing you to spread your visit and avoid feeling rushed.
Best time to see the floors
The inlaid marble floor of Siena Cathedral is a masterpiece of artistry, consisting of 56 stunning panels created by Sienese artists.
Since these artworks can get scratched and stained by people walking on them, these panels remain covered for most of the year.
However, every year, they are available for public viewing for a short period – usually from 27 June to 31 July and then from 18 August to 16 October.