Visiting Siena Cathedral is a journey through centuries of art, history, and spirituality.
To help you make the most of your trip, we have compiled a list of nine essential tips.
Book your tickets well in advance
We highly recommend purchasing your Siena Cathedral tickets, especially the OPA SI Pass, in advance.
Getting them online will help you avoid long queues at the ticket office, a common occurrence during peak season.
The OPA SI Pass grants you access to all the sites within the Siena Cathedral complex, including the Baptistery, Crypt, Museo dell’Opera, and Facciatone Viewpoint.
The only experience it doesn’t include is the Gate of Heaven rooftop tour.
The pass remains valid for three consecutive days from the date of issue, allowing you to explore at a leisurely pace.
Visit when the floors are open
The famed marble mosaic floor of Siena Cathedral is unveiled only for a limited time each year.
This unveiling usually takes place from 27 June to 31 July and 18 August to 16 October.
Witnessing this intricate artwork is a highlight of the visit. However, keep in mind that ticket prices are slightly higher during these periods.
The period from August to October might be ideal as it combines the peak tourist season’s end with the floor panels’ unveiling.
The low season (post-October) offers a less crowded experience with colder weather.
Recommended
Arrive early, particularly on weekdays
During the peak season (1 March to 3 November), the Siena Cathedral opens at 10 am and closes at 7 pm, Monday through Saturday.
It opens in the afternoon on Sundays and public holidays, welcoming visitors from 1:30 pm to 6 pm.
Being at the Siena Cathedral much before the others will help you savor a more tranquil atmosphere. It’s also a good strategy to avoid the midday heat during summer.
Allocate ample time for your visit
The Siena Cathedral complex is a treasure trove of art, history, and architecture.
You will need a full day to appreciate each of the six attractions of the complex without feeling rushed.
- Siena Cathedral: Access to the main church and its stunning interior.
- Piccolomini Library: A beautifully frescoed library within the Cathedral.
- Opera del Duomo Museum: Houses significant artworks and offers a panoramic view of Siena from its terrace.
- Facciatone: A stunning viewpoint providing sweeping vistas of the city.
- Crypt: An archaeological area showcasing the Cathedral’s early history.
- Baptistery of San Giovanni: Famous for its exquisite baptismal font.
Remember, the OPA SI Pass itinerary alone takes about two hours to complete.
Must Explore: What to see in Siena Cathedral
Explore the complex in the right order
1. Begin with the Cathedral itself
Take your time to absorb the grandeur of its vast interior, noting the alternating stripes of white and greenish-black marble, and red marble on the façade.
Look up to admire the vaulted roof adorned with blue and golden stars.
Don’t miss the intricately inlaid marble mosaic floor, the sculptures by Donatello and Michelangelo, and the cornice running the length of the nave, decorated with busts of popes and Roman and Byzantine emperors.
2. Next, check out the Piccolomini Library
This Renaissance masterpiece, commissioned around 1492, houses a collection of books and manuscripts belonging to Pope Pius II.
The highlight is undoubtedly Pinturicchio’s vibrant fresco cycle, completed between 1503 and 1508, illustrating ten episodes from the life of Pope Pius II.
Note the rich details in the frescoes, including landscapes, costumes, ceremonies, and figures painted in an enameled palette.
3. Descend into the Crypt
The Crypt is a hidden gem beneath the cathedral.
This vaulted space, rediscovered and restored in 1999, features remarkable 13th-century wall paintings that depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
4. Immerse yourself in the Museo dell’Opera
Siena Cathedral’s museum houses an exceptional collection of Sienese art from the 13th to the 18th centuries.
Visitors can admire iconic works by renowned artists like Duccio di Buoninsegna, Donatello, Jacopo della Quercia, and Giovanni Pisano.
The Museum also showcases masterpieces that once adorned the Duomo.
Do not miss Duccio’s striking Maestà (1308–11), a key piece of Sienese art, along with Gothic sculptures by Giovanni Pisano and paintings by Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti.
5. Ascend to the Facciatone Viewpoint
Located on the unfinished facade of the New Cathedral, this viewpoint offers an unforgettable perspective of Siena’s unique cityscape and the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
A 131-step narrow corkscrew stairway leads you to this stunning vantage point.
6. Lastly, visit the Baptistery of San Giovanni
Descend the impressive staircase to this 15th-century structure.
Admire the frescoes lining the interior and the centerpiece, a hexagonal marble baptismal font by Jacopo della Quercia.
The magnificent creation in marble, bronze and enamel was created between 1417 and 1431 by the greatest sculptors of the era, including Giovanni di Turino, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Donatello and Jacopo della Quercia.
Must Read: Interesting facts about Siena Cathedral
Accessibility options: While the cathedral has a dedicated ramp for wheelchair access, it’s advisable to inquire about the accessibility of other areas like the Museum, crypt, and baptistery, as they may not have the same level of accessibility.
Don’t miss the free audio guide
This audio guide is available directly on your smartphone and provides insightful commentary on the complex’s history, architecture, and artwork.
It greatly enriches your understanding and appreciation of the various sites.
Consider joining a guided tour
If you prefer deeper insights, it is best to book a guided tour of Siena Cathedral.
Authorized tours are available for purchase both at the ticket office and online. We highly recommend them because they provide expert commentary and context for a more immersive experience.
These tours also provide skip-the-line access.
Respect the sanctity of the space
Siena Cathedral is not just a tourist attraction; it’s an active place of worship.
Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees, maintain a respectful demeanor, and avoid disruptive behavior.
With careful planning, a spirit of exploration, and a touch of reverence, your tour of Siena Cathedral will be an unforgettable experience.
Wear comfortable footwear as you’ll likely be doing a fair amount of walking within the complex and potentially within the surrounding area.
Use public transportation
We strongly advise against driving to Siena Cathedral, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with navigating Siena’s historic city center.
The area is known for its dense traffic, narrow streets, and limited (and expensive) parking options.
We suggest you use public transport.
Siena Railway Station is approximately 7.5 km (4.6 miles) from the Cathedral and will take you 15 minutes if you take a taxi.
You can also catch a bus from the train station to the city center. All buses departing from the station stop in the city center and will get you there in about five minutes. You can get off at either Piazza del Sale or Piazza Gramsci.