Siena Cathedral is a “treasure trove” of masterpieces, with art and architecture spanning multiple centuries.
The Cathedral is considered one of Italy’s most illustrious Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals.
If you’re planning a visit, here’s a guide to the must-see highlights within the Siena Cathedral complex.
Remember that you must purchase the OPA SI Pass to access all these attractions within the complex.
Marble Mosaic and Graffito Floor
The most beautiful…, largest and most magnificent…ever made.
The marble mosaic and graffito floor of Siena Cathedral is a unique and breathtaking work of art and is a must-see for any visitor to Siena.
This remarkable floor was created over centuries, from the 14th to the 19th century, with contributions from around 40 different artists, primarily Sienese.
The 56 panels that make up the floor are crafted using a combination of graffito and marble mosaic inlay techniques.
Notable panels include the Wheel of Fortune, the She-Wolf of Siena with the Emblems of the Confederate Cities, and Emperor Sigismund Enthroned.
Tourists should be aware that the floor is only fully uncovered for a limited time each year, typically between mid-August and late October, to protect it from wear and tear.
Piccolomini Library
The Piccolomini Library, located within Siena Cathedral, was commissioned around 1492 to house an extensive book collection.
Tourists can find this enchanting library accessible through a door from the north aisle of the Cathedral.
The highlight of the Piccolomini Library is undoubtedly the vibrant fresco cycle that adorns its walls.
Painted by the renowned artist Pinturicchio and his workshop between 1503 and 1508, these frescoes vividly depict ten important scenes from the life of Pope Pius II.
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Nicola Pisano’s Pulpit
Nicola Pisano’s pulpit is a highlight of Siena Cathedral and a masterpiece of Gothic sculpture.
The intricately carved, octagonal pulpit is made of Carrara marble and was created between 1265 and 1268.
The pulpit gets its support from nine columns, four of which rest on sculpted lions.
It is in the north transept and features seven marble panels depicting scenes from the life of Christ.
Must Read: Trivia about Siena Cathedral
Donatello’s Works in Siena Cathedral
Donatello, a prominent Florentine sculptor of the early Renaissance, contributed to the artistic richness of Siena Cathedral.
Tourists can find one of his works, a bronze statue of St. John the Baptist, in the Chapel of St. John the Baptist in the north transept. Known for his expressive realism, Donatello portrayed the saint as gaunt and intensely spiritual.
Another work by Donatello, a tondo depicting the Madonna and Child with Four Cherubs, is located in the Cathedral Museum.
Another of his works, known as the “Madonna del Perdono” (“Madonna of Forgiveness”), dates from around 1458 and is also available for tourists to see.
Michelangelo’s St. Paul and the Piccolomini Altar
In the left aisle of Siena Cathedral, tourists will find the Piccolomini Altarpiece.
This Renaissance-style altarpiece, constructed from Carrara marble, was created by Andrea Bregno between 1481 and 1485 and commissioned by Cardinal Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini.
The altarpiece features four sculptures by a young Michelangelo, created between 1501 and 1504, depicting St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Gregory (with assistance), and St. Pius.
Some art historians believe the St. Paul sculpture may be a self-portrait of Michelangelo, with the appearance of a broken nose referencing an injury inflicted upon him by a jealous fellow sculptor, Pietro Torrigiano, during their time in Florence.
Image: By Gaspa – Flickr
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Duccio di Buoninsegna’s Stained-Glass Rose Window
Duccio di Buoninsegna, a prominent Sienese painter, created a large stained-glass rose window for Siena Cathedral between 1287 and 1290.
Originally located in the oculus above the apse, the window is now on display in the Cathedral Museum (Museo dell’Opera) and has been replaced with a copy in its original location.
The window, measuring six meters in diameter, depicts scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.
The three central registers, arranged vertically, illustrate the Burial, the Assumption, and the Coronation of the Virgin.
Flanking the central panel are depictions of Siena’s four patron saints: St. Bartholomew, St. Ansanus, St. Crescentius, and St. Sabinus.
The window is renowned for its vibrant colors, including intense blues, golden yellows, ruby reds, amethyst purples, emerald greens, and delicate pinks.
This window, one of the earliest surviving examples of Italian stained glass, offers visitors a glimpse into the beauty and artistry of medieval glasswork.
Chapel of the Madonna del Voto
Located in the right transept of Siena Cathedral, the Chapel of the Madonna del Voto (also known as the Cappella della Madonna del Voto), is a must-see for visitors.
It was commissioned in 1659, designed by the renowned Baroque artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and constructed by German architect Johann Paul Schor.
The chapel houses the venerated 13th-century painting of the Madonna del Voto (Madonna of the Vow), attributed to a follower of Guido da Siena.
This image holds deep historical and religious significance for the city of Siena.
The story goes that, on the eve of the Battle of Montaperti in 1260, the people of Siena prayed to the Virgin Mary for her protection against the Florentine army.
Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Sienese achieved a miraculous victory, which they attributed to the Virgin Mary’s intervention.
This victory solidified the Madonna del Voto’s position as the city’s protector and a symbol of hope and resilience.
To this day, the city of Siena and neighboring regions pay homage to the Madonna del Voto every year.
Sienna Cathedral’s Crypt
Discovered in 1999 during an excavation project beneath the Siena Cathedral chancel, the cathedral’s crypt features a series of vibrant frescoes dating back to the late 13th century.
Before this discovery, scholars knew of the crypt’s existence through medieval records but were unsure of its condition.
The crypt’s walls and pillars are adorned with 45 scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
Painted by artists active in Siena during the second half of the 13th century, including Guido da Siena, Dietisalvi di Speme, Guido di Graziano, and Rinaldo da Siena, these frescoes provide invaluable insight into the early development of the Sienese school of painting.
The Gate of Heaven Tour and Giovanni Pisano’s Sculptures
The Gate of Heaven Tour at Siena Cathedral offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore areas usually inaccessible to the public.
The tour takes visitors above the Cathedral’s vaults, providing breathtaking panoramic views both inside and outside the Cathedral.
Imagine walking “above” the nave and taking in the grandeur of the space from a completely new perspective.
The experience is likened to climbing Jacob’s ladder, ascending to a realm of architectural and artistic wonder.
Adding to the richness of the Siena Cathedral experience are the sculptures of prophets, sibyls, and philosophers created by Giovanni Pisano, a key figure in the development of Italian Gothic art.
Planning your visit
There are four ways you can enter the Siena Cathedral and see all that was
| 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. |