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The Siena Cathedral is the most important church in the city, built in honor of the Virgin Mary by Pope Alexander IV back in 1255 A.D. The cathedral was built in an area that used to house a small chapel, called the "Old Cathedral of Siena", which also served as the seat of the Bishop of Siena until 1549. Renowned for its spectacular interiors and unique marble flooring, the Siena Cathedral is famously incomplete, boasting a breathtaking facade that abruptly stops midway. Read on to learn about its grandiose, unrealized plans, which tickets to book and how to visit.
Siena Cathedral flaunts Italian Gothic architecture with Romanesque and Classical influence. The front façade has three portals, while the interior includes five naves and a dome. The cathedral also features ribbed vaults, while the inside walls are decorated with architectural details such as pilasters, rustications, and archivolts.
The incredible white, green, and red marble facade of Siena Cathedral was designed by Giovanni Pisano. Each of the cardinal points has its own distinctive work of art and architecture. Of the four facades, the west facade stands as a true example of Sienese workmanship, as it combines French Gothic elements with Tuscan Romanesque and Classical architecture.
The hexagonal pulpit, crafted by Nicola Pisano in the 13th century, is a masterpiece of Gothic sculpture. It is supported by lions and depicts scenes from the life of Christ, a testament to Pisano’s special skill in creating dynamic and expressive figures.
The cathedral's dome, with its striking black and white striped columns, adds to the overall grandeur of the interior. The dome is embellished with frescoes by Giorgio Vasari and Domenico Beccafumi, depicting the Assumption of the Virgin, which draws the eye upward and enhances the sense of space.
It is a highly decorated marble floor, unique of its kind in Italy with 56 panels of various sizes. Crafted from Carrara and Verona marble, the intricate mosaic inlay and graffito designs cover the entire floor. Created by about forty artists and craftsmen from the 14th to the 16th centuries, it stands as a masterpiece of Italian art.
The wooden choir stalls, intricately carved by Bartolomeo Neroni, and the high altar, with its exquisite marble work, are central features of the cathedral. The choir stalls are adorned with detailed scenes and figures, representing a high point in Renaissance woodcarving.
Siena Cathedral has 77 large stained glass windows created by many different artists, attracting tourists to see them up close. One of the famous artworks at the Siena Cathedral is the rose window that Duccio di Buoninsegna designed.
The roof of Siena Cathedral is open to visitors, and is made up of different materials such as terracotta, lead, marble, and copper. Named at the "gate of heaven,” you get to walk above the nave to enjoy a view of the Cathedral and the outside from a unique vantage point.
The paintings at Siena Cathedral showcase Sienese art and Italian culture from the 13th to 19th centuries. The most famous is the "Madonna del Voto" (Madonna of the Vow), a fresco cycle by Duccio di Buoninsegna, Simone Martini, and Ambrogio Lorenzetti, depicting the Virgin Mary vowing to protect Siena from future disasters.
The Duomo Nuovo was an ambitious expansion project initiated in 1339 to create one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. However, construction was halted due to the devastating plague of 1348, leaving only the unfinished façade visible today. This façade stands as a testament to Siena's architectural aspirations and serves as a popular viewpoint for visitors.
The Facciatone is the grand façade of the Duomo Nuovo. the new cathedral. It is notable for its polychrome marble decorations and is divided into two sections: the lower part, created by Giovanni Pisano, showcases a Gothic-Romanesque style, while the upper section exhibits late Gothic elements. It stands as a prominent feature on the eastern side of the existing cathedral.
Yes, you can avail of discounts on Siena Cathedral tickets if you're getting them online. Certain categories of people are eligible for discounts including children up to 6 years of age, residents and born in the Municipality of Siena, journalists, guests with disabilities and their carers, clerics, students of the University of Siena and University for Foreigners of Siena, Parish groups of the Archdiocese of Siena with a letter from the parish priest.
Also, European Union citizens aged 18 up until the day of their 25th birthday with valid IDs can get discounted tickets. But do note that these tickets must be purchased directly at the venue, with a proper ID of course.
Siena Cathedral tickets can be canceled 3-24 hours before the experience begins in order to receive a full refund. Please check specific ticket details for exact information.
The OPA SI Pass offers several advantages over a regular ticket. Not only do you save up to half on entrance fees compared to buying separate tickets, but you also get to skip the queues if you pre-book. Plus, it's valid for 3 days so you can explore everything at your own pace. You'll see everything from the stunning cathedral to the Piccolomini Library, Crypt, Baptistery, Museo dell'Opera and the terrace platform, making it a sure way to get the most out of your visit.
It usually takes around an hour to visit Siena Cathedral. However, if you want to explore the museum in detail, it is advisable to spend more time.
Yes, Siena Cathedral is wheelchair accessible. There are ramps available for visitors. However, it should be noted that Siena Cathedral is a very large church and some parts of it are still not be accessible to people in wheelchairs, like the Crypt, Museum and Baptistery.
During peak seasons (spring, summer, and major holidays), we recommend to book your tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance to secure your preferred time slots and avoid disappointment. During off-peak periods, booking a few days to a week in advance should be sufficient. While we do take pride in our last minute ticket inventory, planning ahead goes a long way for a stress-free, fun visit.
Photography is allowed inside the Siena Cathedral. Flash photography is prohibited to protect the artworks. Tripods and other professional photography equipment are also not allowed without special permission.
Absolutely! Siena Cathedral offers a surprisingly kid-friendly experience. The unique black and white striped tower is a conversation starter, and you can even organize treasure hunts and art trivia activities. There are also discounted tickets for children up to 6 years old. While extensive tours might not hold their attention, the stunning visuals will leave a lasting impression.
Yes, Siena Cathedral is worth visiting as it is an important church in the city, built in honor of the Virgin Mary by Pope Alexander IV back in 1255 A.D. Known for its architectural beauty, it houses several famous sculptors, paintings, and artworks attracting visitors worldwide.
The construction/history of the dome of Santa Maria dell Fiore, also known as Brunelleschi's dome or the dome of the Duomo of Florence, which forms the roof of the crossing of the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence.
Top experience ..Unique ..Beautiful
To exchange the voucher, we first had to find the relevant ticket office. The cathedral tour was wonderful and not limited in time.
Made things so much easier by booking tickets in advance. Staff very helpful straight through once tickets printed. Very informative audio download.
Magnificent cathedral 😍Shame that the ticket office was far from the attraction, it would have been easier to pick up the ticket directly at the official office next to the cathedral. And no audio guide, no information about it 🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️
Everything went very well with the tickets we picked up at the visitor information center. We were also able to book the porta del cielo without any complications. Very friendly advice at the information desk. Entry was straightforward, the information on the audio guide was valuable, detailed and sufficient. The cathedral is simply impressive!
Easy collection of tickets at the ticket office,treated a spriority.Suggest getting there 9.39am before doors open.Dont forget to cover up shoulders and arms, a scarf will do ladies.Full ticket covers Cathedral,Crypt ,Museum and the added bonus which we were unaware of was climbing the tower in the museum for fantastic views over Siena.Great value we thought through Headout.
I personally loved the stripes on the walls and the beauty of the entire Duomo. Daughter, son in law and grandchildren also were very impressed.
I didn't realise until after booking that I had to go elsewhere to pick up the ticket. Otherwise all was very good. Duomo and library were wonderful.thank you
These were great, inexpensive tickets to walk through and experience the splendor of the church. No tour, but it was great for us, as we had only a short time but wanted to go inside.
We no longer had access to audio guide . Time had expired. Trying to log in again did not work. Did we have to be present on time or could we enter all afternoon was not clear to us.
Siena is a beautiful city and really worth spending a day there. It was convenient to be able to book the ticket online, because it allowed us to make arrangements for the return trip
We picked up our tickets at the pickup point, but didn't see anyone at the Siena Cathedral from your company to provide the audio guide. So overall experience could have been better. That might have made it an Awesome.
This is my favorite cathedral in all of Italy which would have been enhanced with the audio guide that I paid for in advance but was not provided. I wouldn't book through this company again.
The Duomo , Baptistry and Museum with Panoramica were outstanding , just a bit frustrated with the audio guide which had to be reloaded a number of times as we kept being kicked out of it
It was easy to find the 'dear guest' to covert the tickets and really easy to get into the duomo. The Duomo was quite busy but so amazing to see. The audio guide was good.
All good except that the ticket must already be online, it is not convenient to have to change the voucher with the ticket. I had to leave the wheelchair and my wife in front of the cathedral to walk to the place indicated for the change, not around the corner in short
arrived where indicated tell me that ticket pickup is instead at the visitor center, where you have to stand in line with others to pick up tickets. preferential line outside the cathedral mixed with non-preferential line, unsuitable organization.
Beautiful City rich in history and art. The cathedral, Piazza del Campo but also walking through its streets was a great experience.
It was a very delightful tour , I enjoyed it very much , the only regret is the parcel I mailed from Siena to NYC which I mailed last April 17 , 2025 hasn't arrive yet .
We liked the cathedral and while standing next to it decided to buy digital tuckets instead of standing in a lon cue. Idea to have tickets bought online seemed time saving. I would have liked to enter with digital tickets. At the moment after buying tickets online it was still necessary to find the kiosk where we were given print-out tickets.
The cathedral stunning! Too bad you couldn't see some of the depictions on the floor.... unfortunately I didn't see the crypt...but I will gladly return there
Siena Cathedral is a unique and unmissable experience, as are the Baptistery, Crypt and Cathedral Museum. To be improved is the location on the app of the point of sale on which to pick up tickets, without the name of the office it is not immediate to understand where to go, However, the audio guide is included in the purchase of tickets even on site without a reservation, the only benefit, which is not small, is the skip the line at the ticket offices.
All OK, it would have been helpful to know at the time of booking the times of the masses to better plan the visit!
A beautiful cathedral inside and out. Tickets were easy to obtain. Was told the audio guide would connect once in the cathedral but this did not work for us although others in the cathedral were using it. No one available to assist in the cathedral.
Inclusions
Entry to Siena Cathedral
Access to Piccolomini Library
Audio guide
Exclusions
Everything went very well with the tickets we picked up at the visitor information center. We were also able to book the porta del cielo without any complications. Very friendly advice at the information desk. Entry was straightforward, the information on the audio guide was valuable, detailed and sufficient. The cathedral is simply impressive!
Easy collection of tickets at the ticket office,treated a spriority.Suggest getting there 9.39am before doors open.Dont forget to cover up shoulders and arms, a scarf will do ladies.Full ticket covers Cathedral,Crypt ,Museum and the added bonus which we were unaware of was climbing the tower in the museum for fantastic views over Siena.Great value we thought through Headout.
Siena is a beautiful city and really worth spending a day there. It was convenient to be able to book the ticket online, because it allowed us to make arrangements for the return trip
The Duomo , Baptistry and Museum with Panoramica were outstanding , just a bit frustrated with the audio guide which had to be reloaded a number of times as we kept being kicked out of it
arrived where indicated tell me that ticket pickup is instead at the visitor center, where you have to stand in line with others to pick up tickets. preferential line outside the cathedral mixed with non-preferential line, unsuitable organization.
It was a very delightful tour , I enjoyed it very much , the only regret is the parcel I mailed from Siena to NYC which I mailed last April 17 , 2025 hasn't arrive yet .
Siena Cathedral is a unique and unmissable experience, as are the Baptistery, Crypt and Cathedral Museum. To be improved is the location on the app of the point of sale on which to pick up tickets, without the name of the office it is not immediate to understand where to go, However, the audio guide is included in the purchase of tickets even on site without a reservation, the only benefit, which is not small, is the skip the line at the ticket offices.
Everything was lovely even if it’s just a short visit, but I hope to go back again.
Practical 3-day pass. Quick and easy to visit.
Purchasing tickets with headout : it was very convenient and fast
Excellent experience Convenience and speed in both ordering and retrieving tickets .
The experience was fine. Siena is an awesome cathedral. I thought I had already given you feedback.
Climbing the tower is an experience due to the feeling of loss of balance.
Wonderful experience, organized to the smallest detail
Inclusions
3-day Siena Cathedral Complex OPA SI Pass
Entry to Siena Cathedral
Access to Piccolomini Library, Museo dell'Opera, Crypt, Baptistery of San Giovanni & the Terrace
Access to the uncovered floor until October 16th, 2024
Audio guide
Exclusions
I was able to skip the line and ordered tickets online with you at the last minute and it went well,
I went to the Cathedral and it was breathtaking. The spaces; uncovered floors; the colors; the serenity; the atmosphere. I am thankful for my ticket. I stayed an hour and a half. I also went to the pinoqueteca national to see the Lorenzetti brothers and did not need a ticket. I strongly recommend that you add that to your itinerary list for Siena.
Precise directions to the Palazzo delle Papesse, however, it would be to specify that the time chosen is only the time slot to be respected for ticket collection . Entered the cathedral without standing in line, nice experience.
A matter of taste, art can have different expectations
Enjoy access to 3 popular attractions with one easy pass.
Inclusions
Entry to Siena Cathedral
Audio guide for Siena Cathedral
Access to Piccolomini Library
Entry to Palazzo delle Papesse with access to the caveau and terrace
Exclusions
Live guide
Hotel transfers
We loved the three beautiful cities we visited, including the crown of Tuscany which wasn't on the itinerary. Paying to walk on the city walls was interesting and views were good, but we were on metal bridges, not the actual walls. There are two different access points so be sure to try both. Lunch was at a restaurant with a very small vineyard where we could walk and take photos. The tastings were all good but primarily a sales pitch. The pasta lunch was just ok. If you take the cathedral tour in Siena (recommended but additional cost) make sure you know how to get back to the meeting point!
A lot of history in each of the towns, beautiful scenery, and comfortable rides.
Everything was neat, the guide explained excellent everything we saw on the tour, the times in the places were perfect and the wine tasting and food was perfect, we would do the tour again.
The visit to Siena, San Gimignano & the Chianti lunch & wine tasting were all very good. The tour leader was excellent.
The guide was excellent and the tour ran to time in all locations. Everything was as expected or better.
Fabulous guide, Sandro and driver, Fernando! The winery was also a big highlight. So much fun.
Sandro and Catu very good guides. Plenty of free time to explore each place.
Three Tuscan treasures, one unforgettable day—Siena, San Gimignano & Chianti with lunch.
Inclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 3 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
You can cancel these tickets up to 3 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
