- Head into the stunning Siena Cathedral, a grand Duomo located in the heart of Tuscany.
- As you walk through one of the finest cathedrals in all of Christendom, begin your hunt for artistic treasures by world-renowned artists like Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini.
- At the Piccolomini Library, you'll witness a rare example of a unified decoration from the 16th century, adorned with Pinturicchio frescoes.
- At the Baptistry of San Giovanni next, gasp at the Baptismal Font, known to be one of the greatest monuments of Renaissance sculpture.
- Spiral down into the Crypt and make an appearance at the Museo dell'Opera, where frescoes and Italian art will continue to marvel you.
- Wind up your experience by climbing up to the terrace of the unfinished façade from where you will catch unmatched panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Best of Siena Tour: San Domenico, Piazza del Campo and Cathedral
- Stroll through Siena, and discover the numerous landmarks of the city.
- Visit some of Siena’s most famed attractions, such as Piazza del Campo and the Siena Cathedral.
- Learn about the traditions and history of Siena with the help of a professional guide by your side.
- Enjoy beautiful views of Palazzo Pubblico and its massive bell tower.
- Note: This tour runs in English only.
- Infants aged 6 and under go free (carry a valid photo ID).
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Siena Cathedral Reopens Post COVID-19
After several weeks of closure due to the pandemic, Siena Cathedral and the Piccolomini Library have reopened for the public from 22 February 2021. It has reopened with all the safety measures in place to ensure the safety and security of visitors.
COVID-19 Safety Measures and Guidelines at Siena Cathedral
- To provide a safe and healthy experience, Siena Cathedral has adopted all the safety measures and the Covid prevention protocols to ensure a safe experience for all its visitors.
- Visitors are required to carry their ‘COVID 19 Green Pass’ to gain access to the site.
- The Green Pass carries proof of one of the following.
a. Proof of vaccination
b. Negative PCR or antigen test result, not less than 72 hours old
c. Proof of recovery from Covid-19 in the last six months. - Visitors are required to wear masks at all times while in the Cathedral complex.
- Visitors are encouraged to practice social distancing measures and engage in Covid safety protocols such as sanitizing hands at frequent intervals, maintaining 2 meters of distance, etc.
Why Visit Siena Cathedral?
- 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.” Siena's Old Cathedral also served as the seat of the Bishop of Siena until 1549.
- It has seven sets of double doors with bronze panels depicting the stories of the New Testament. The cathedral also has 77 large stained glass windows created by many different artists, attracting tourists to see them up close.
- Built in the early Gothic style, it has a structure that is based on two churches. The exterior of Siena Cathedral includes architectural details such as pilasters, rustications, and archivolts.
Your Siena Cathedral Tickets Explained
Siena Cathedral Entrance Tickets
Step inside the stunning Siena Cathedral, a grand Duomo that is famous for its architectural works and housing the artworks, paintings, and sculptures by world-renowned artists like Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini. Admire the Pinturicchio frescoes, Italian art, and the Tuscan countryside panoramic views as the tickets provide you access to the Piccolomini Library, Baptistry, Baptismal Font, Crypt, Museo dell'Opera, and the Cathedral terrace.
Siena City Walking Tour to Cathedral
Enjoy the best of Siena with this walking tour ticket that takes you to several historical highlights in the city of Siena. Enjoy the English-guided walking tour and get to explore Piazza del Campo, one of the greatest city squares in Europe. Get insights about the city and its historical structures from the professional guide as you walk down the ancient narrow lanes lined by the brick buildings of Siena and make your way to the Basilica di San Domenico before ending your tour at Siena Cathedral.
Discounted Tickets
Infants aged 6 and under can go for free. Children aged 7-13 enjoy a reduced price on tickets with valid photo IDs. Make sure to check ticket details before purchasing for more information.
Super Flexible Cancellation Policy
Visitors get a full refund on canceling their ticket up to 24 hours before the schedule. Make sure to check ticket details before purchasing for more information.
What Is The Best Way To Book Your Siena Cathedral Tickets? Book Online
Booking your tickets online is the best way to visit Siena Cathedral. Visitors get a chance to book their tickets in advance and can enjoy a number of benefits, such as discounted prices on tickets and flexible cancellation options.
- Advance Booking: By booking your tickets online, you can reserve a time slot for your visit to Siena Cathedral. This eliminates the need to wait in line and saves time.
- Convenience: Buying tickets online is a convenient way to purchase tickets as it eliminates the need to go to a physical location to buy tickets. Tickets can be bought from the comfort of your home.
- Discounts: Tickets purchased online come with a number of discounts that are not available at the ticket counter. These discounts include discounts on entrance tickets for different age groups.
- Flexible Cancellation: If you have booked your tickets online and decide to cancel them, you can do so without any penalties. This allows you to cancel your tickets without any hassles and makes it easy to reschedule your visit.
Highlights Of Siena Cathedral
Architecture Of The Cathedral
The Architecture of 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.
Facade Of Siena Cathedral
The facade of the Siena Cathedral is one of its most fascinating features. 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.
Paintings
The paintings at the Siena Cathedral offer an overview of the Sienese art and the culture of Italy from the 13th to 19th century. It houses several paintings, the most famous of which is the "Madonna del Voto" or "Madonna of the Vow.” The painting is a fresco cycle that was created by Sienese painters Duccio di Buoninsegna, Simone Martini, and Ambrogio Lorenzetti. The cycle depicts the Virgin Mary making a vow to protect Siena from future disasters.
Sculptors
Siena Cathedral has many sculptures that Nicola Pisano created. The pulpit of Siena Cathedral is also attributed to Nicola Pisano, but it was later finished by his son. The 'Pulpit of the Saints' features 7 reliefs that depict scenes from the life of Christ and the stories of Siena's patron saints. 'St. John the Baptist' by Donatello and Michelangelo's 'Pietà' are some of the famous works housed at the Cathedral.
Stained Glass Window
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.
Cathedral Choir
The Siena Cathedral Choir is a highlight of the cathedral that tourists should not miss. The choir has thirty-eight inlays, and the woodwork by Fra Giovanni da Verona is a spectacular work of art. It was built in the early Gothic style and is a beautiful sight to see.
Cathedral Roof
The roof of Siena Cathedral is open to visitors, and it provides panoramic views that can be enjoyed from the top. The roof is made up of different materials such as terracotta, lead, marble, and copper. Named at the "gate of heaven,” visitors get to walk above the nave to enjoy a view of the Cathedral and the outside from a unique vantage point.
Cathedral Floor
It is a highly decorated marble floor, unique of its kind in Italy as it consists of 56 panels in different sizes. The marble mosaic inlay and graffito floor cover the whole floor of the cathedral, making it Italy's most ornate interior building. The marble was sourced from nearby Carrara and Verona. About forty artists and craftsmen created the floor from the 14th to the 16th centuries.
Cathedral Crypt
The area beneath the Cathedral chancel, called the Siena Cathedral Crypt, is a must-see for tourists visiting Siena Cathedral. The crypt was rediscovered in the late 20th century, throwing new light on the artforms of the 13th century. The crypt contains beautiful wall paintings and frescos that are well-preserved to this day. Sienese painters created the frescos, depicting scenes from the Bible and other religious subjects. One of the most famous frescos in the crypt is the "Nativity" by Simone Martini.
Piccolomini Library
Siena Cathedral has the Piccolomini Library which was built by order of cardinal Francesco Piccolomini. Built adjacent to the Siena Cathedral, the library contains over 200 manuscripts housed in Siena Cathedral, some of which date back to the 12th century. Along with other rare books, Siena's illuminated choir books are also held and conserved at the Piccolomini Library, including some of the famous books and manuscripts.
Baptistry of Siena Cathedral
The Baptistry of Siena Cathedral is located underneath the eastern bays of the choir. Built between the 1310s and the 1320s, the construction of the interior was largely performed under Camaino di Crescentino and was completed about 1325. The Baptistry is octagonal in shape, and it contains a large hexagonal baptismal font with three rib-vaulted aisles inside.
Cathedral Museum
Founded in 1869, housed in the north aisle of the 'New Cathedral', Museo dell'Opera is the oldest private museum of Italy. The most famous artwork in the museum is the Maestà altarpiece by Duccio di Buoninsegna which was completed in 1308. Siena cathedral Museo dell'Opera also displays Sienese paintings, sculptures, textiles, goldsmith's work, processional banners, tabernacles, and artworks and historical items related to Siena Cathedral and its history.
Plan Your Visit To Siena Cathedral
- 1 March to 31 May: 10.30 AM - 6 PM
1 June to 31 October: 10 AM - 7 PM
1 November to 28 February: 10.30 AM - 5.30 PM
26 December to 6 January: 10.30 AM - 6 PM - Ticket Office Opening Hours: 10:00 AM
- Last Admission: Half an hour before closing time.
- From 1st May 2021: 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sundays & Public Holidays: 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM (Eve of public holidays: 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM) - 26 June to 31 July & 18 August to 17 October (while the Floor is uncovered): 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Sundays & Public Holidays: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM - 1 November - 28 February: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sundays & Public Holidays: 1:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Eve of public holidays: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM) - 26 December to 6 January: 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sundays, public holidays: 1:30 AM - 5:30 PM ( Eve of public holidays: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM) - March (Sunday only): 1:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Last Admission: Half an hour before closing time.
Note: Religious Services may lead to changes in opening hours.
From 26 June to 31 July and from 18 August to 17 October 2021
- Monday to Saturday :Cathedral, Museo dell'Opera, Crypt, Baptistry: 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday (only while the Floor is uncovered)
Cathedral: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Museo dell'Opera, Crypt, Baptistry: 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Last Admission: Half an hour before closing time.
Note: Religious Services may lead to changes in opening hours.
- While the floor of ‘Gate Of Heaven’ is covered:
Monday - Saturday: 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday: 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM - While the floor of ‘Gate Of Heaven’ is uncovered:
Monday - Saturday: 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Last Admission: Half an hour before closing time.
Note: Religious Services may lead to changes in opening hours.
- 1 March to 31 October: 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- 1 November to 28 February: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- 26 December to 6 January: 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- 26 June to 31 July & 18 August - 17 October (uncovered floor): 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Ticket Office Opening Hours: 10:00 AM
Last Admission: Half an hour before closing time.
Note: Religious Services may lead to changes in opening hours.
Open only on Saturdays and Sundays: 10.30 AM - 1.30 PM, & 2.30 PM - 6.00 PM
Weekdays: 10:00 AM (Madonna del Voto Chapel)
Public Holidays and the eve of Public Holidays: 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:15 PM, 6:00 PM (summer 6:30 PM)
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 8, 53100 Siena SI, Italy
- By Train: Freccialink Service
Nearest Train Station: Siena Station (2 km away) - By Bus: Frequent bus service available in the city
Nearest Bus Stop: Curtatone Bus Stop - On Foot: Duration 15 minutes
Escalator Service: "Stazione-Antiporto" escalator service - Nearest Airport: Rome Airport
- Nearest Taxi Stand: Piazza Carlo Rosselli
- Nearest Car Parks: Parcheggio Duomo, Parcheggio Il Campo
You cannot reach the Cathedral directly by car, as it lies in the historic center of Siena. Head to the car park from the Siena Ovest exit or Siena Sud and walk the rest of the way.
- The Cathedral has a wheelchair-accessible ramp on the left-hand side of the building.
- Guided Tours
- Educational Tours
- Bookshops:
Shop Museo dell'Opera, Piazza Duomo, 8
Shop Antica Canonica, Interno Cattedrale
Please note that the Siena Cathedral Museum, Crypt, and the Baptistry are currently lacking provisions for disabled access.
Palazzo Pubblico: Serving as a seat of the Republic of Siena's government, Palazzo Pubblico is a palace in Siena, Tuscany, Italy which was built in 1297.
Piazza del Campo: Considered as one of the greatest medieval squares of Europe, Piazza del Campo serves as the main public square in Siena Historic Center and is renowned for its architecture and beauty.
Torre del Mangia: Located in Piazza del Campo, next to Palazzo Pubblico, Torre del Mangia is a tower in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is considered one of the tallest secular towers in Italy with a height of 102m.
Palazzo Pitti: Also known as the Pitti Palace, Palazzo Pitti is a Renaissance palace in Florence, Italy, dating back to 1458.
Visitor Tips
- Siena Cathedral is a religious site. Make sure to behave accordingly to maintain the decorum of the place.
- Siena Cathedral has an extensive collection of historical artifacts, so it is advisable not to touch or disturb any exhibits in the museum to avoid damaging them.
- Make sure to dress appropriately for a religious site. Wear a comfortable dress that covers your shoulders and legs.
- Avoid making loud noises and running while inside the Cathedral to respect the decorum of the religious site.
- Make sure to follow the social distancing norms and wear masks at all times.
All Your Questions About Siena Cathedral Tickets Answered
A. Siena Cathedral tickets are available at varying price ranges starting from €9, with each ticket offering a special feature to help you enjoy an exceptional experience at the site.
A. Yes, Siena Cathedral tickets should be booked in advance as there is a high demand for tickets. Booking Siena Cathedral tickets online comes with a number of discounts that are not available at the ticket counter.
A. Yes, you can avail of discounts on Siena Cathedral tickets by purchasing them online. For more information, make sure to check your tickets.
A. Make sure to dress appropriately to respect the religious site of Siena Cathedral and maintain decorum.
A. Siena Cathedral has several safety measures in place for the visitors, including Covid safety measures as instructed by the government. This ensures that the visitors get to enjoy a memorable experience without any health or safety concerns.
A. 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.
A. Siena Cathedral was built in 1255 A.D. by Pope Alexander IV to honor the Virgin Mary and was consecrated in 1260 A.D. by Pope Alexander IV when he came to Siena for the second time in his papacy. Siena Cathedral's foundation is made of travertine stone, one of Siena's chief exports in the Middle Ages.
A. Yes, Siena Cathedral is wheelchair accessible. There are ramps available for the visitors. However, it should be noted that Siena Cathedral is a very large church and some parts of it may not be accessible to people in wheelchairs.
A. Siena Cathedral's address is Siena Italy. There are public transport and services available that can help you reach Siena Cathedral.
A. Siena Cathedral's opening hours vary throughout the year. It is best to check the timings before visiting.
A. Siena Cathedral's attractions include its beautiful architecture, sculptures, paintings, and artworks. It is also a place of religious importance. Siena Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A. Siena Cathedral is a very important religious site for the Catholic faith and is one of the most beautiful Cathedrals in the world. It has immense significance for the people of Siena and is visited by tourists from all over the world. Siena Cathedral also has a museum where visitors can see many of Siena's historical artifacts and artworks.
A. 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. It also has huge religious importance.