Siena Cathedral | Tuscany's Gothic & Religious Landmark

Book Siena Cathedral tickets

Siena Cathedral & Piccolomini Library Tickets with Audio Guide

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

Audio guide

‌

Check availability

Siena Cathedral Complex OPA SI Pass with Audio Guide

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

Audio guide

‌

Check availability

Siena Icons: Cathedral, Piccolomini Library and Papesse Palace Pass

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

Audio guide

‌

Check availability

Siena and San Gimignano Day trip from Florence

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

9 hr. - 11 hr.

Transfers included

‌

Check availability

Exploring the Siena Cathedral complex

1/10

Facade

The facade is built in Tuscan Romanesque style, and divided into an upper and lower part. It boasts intricate carvings, sculptures, and three ornate portals. A stunning rose window and a crowning mosaic complete this architectural masterpiece.

Interiors

The interior of the cathedral is adorned with colored marble, primarily black and white, reflecting Siena’s civic coat of arms. Large striped pillars stand in the nave, their capitals featuring allegorical busts and animal statues. A long upper ledge with beautiful moldings runs along the nave. Its vaulted ceiling, studded with blue and gold stars and motifs, culminates in a grand hexagonal dome.

Gates of Heaven

Explore the Cathedral's upper gallery on the Gates of Heaven tour. After climbing 80 stairs, enjoy a stunning view of the nave and stroll through the corridors and outer rooftop passages. The design of the Gates of Heaven was inspired by the biblical story of Jacob's Ladder, in which the patriarch Jacob dreams of a ladder leading to heaven.

The Crypt

The crypt of Siena Cathedral was accidentally discovered during renovations. Over three years, historians and archaeologists carefully cleared the debris, revealing 13th-century frescoes from the Sienese school. These frescoes depict scenes such as the Passion of Christ, the Deposition from the Cross, the Crucifixion, and stories from the Old Testament.

Piccolomini Library

The Piccolomini Library, built by Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini, leads off from the nave into a richly decorated room. Painted by Pinturicchio and his assistants, including Raphael, it features colorful motifs, biblical scenes, and 10 episodes from Piccolomini’s life. Originally intended to house his manuscript collection, a few are still on display inside.

Baptistry of San Giovanni Battista

The Baptistry located outside the cathedral was built in the 1310s and the 1320s by Camaino di Crescentino. Its highlight include detailed frescos, paintings and Baptismal Font, a bronze, marble, and enamel piece depicting the life of St. John the Baptist, created by several Renaissance sculptors, including Donatello.

Mosaic Floor

The inlaid marble floor of Siena Cathedral is a unique marvel, featuring 56 panels that depict stories of Christian and Roman origin. Created between the 14th and 16th centuries by 40 artists, notable panels include the Wheel of Fortune, the She-Wolf of Siena, the Four Virtues, and Mercy. Some sections are unveiled only during August 18 - October 16, 2024.

Museo dell’Opera

In the right wing of the Siena Cathedral complex is a museum, founded in 1869, housing artifacts, statues, bas-reliefs, and artworks from the Duomo. It includes sculptures by Giovanni Pisano and paintings by Duccio di Boninsegna, Ambrogio, and Pietro Lorenzetti. The treasury holds liturgical objects like gold-gilded reliquaries and chalices from the 15th and 17th centuries.

The Bell Tower

The campanile of Siena Cathedral is an iconic structure visible from many points in the city. Built in 1313, after the Cathedral's completion, the tower houses six bells on successive levels, topped by a pyramid-shaped roof. The oldest bell dates back to 1149.

Facciatone

The Facciatone is an unfinished masterpiece.Once intended as part of a grand cathedral expansion, it now offers breathtaking panoramic views of Siena. Climb to the top for unforgettable vistas of the city and its surrounding countryside.

Brief history of Siena Cathedral

1196: The guild of masons, Opera di Santa Maria, is appointed to oversee the construction of a new cathedral in Siena.
1215: Mass is regularly held in the basic structure of the newly constructed church.
1226: Renovations begin, with large volumes of black and white marble transported for the facade and bell tower.
1260: Construction of the ceiling vaults and transept is completed.
1264: The cathedral’s iconic dome is completed.
Late 1260s: Architect Giovanni Pisano leads work on the west facade under the Opera del Duomo.
1339: A major renovation, led by architect and sculptor Giovanni di Agostino, is undertaken to double the size of the cathedral by building a new nave.
1348: The Black Death halts work on the expansion, leading to the abandonment of the new nave construction.
14th-15th Centuries: Cathedral becomes a canvas for renowned artists, with works by Donatello, Michelangelo, and Pinturicchio adorning its interior.
16th Century: Piccolomini Library, adorned with Pinturicchio's frescoes, is added to the cathedral complex.
19th-20th Centuries: Extensive restoration and conservation efforts to preserve the cathedral's heritage.
Present Day: Siena Cathedral remains a major tourist attraction and a symbol of the city's rich history and artistic legacy.

Architecture & design of the Siena Cathedral

Siena Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic and Romanesque architecture, displaying inventive design and exquisite craftsmanship. The facade is vividly detailed with complex engravings and biblical statues perched on its ridges in airs of contemplation.

The interior is equally impressive, with an unusually long nave intersected by striped black-and-white marble columns and an elaborately designed marble inlaid floor. The apse is decorated with stunning frescoes and stained glass work.

The hexagonal dome, which dominates the skyline of Siena, is ornately designed from the inside and requires a keen eye to distinguish its numerous decorations. The cathedral also has an upper gallery overlooking the nave with corridors that lead to the rooftops.

Siena Cathedral's Interior

Frequently asked questions about Siena Cathedral

Why is Siena Cathedral famous?

Siena Cathedral is famous for its Romanesque, Gothic and Classical architecture, including its intricate facade, beautiful marble floors, and impressive dome. It is also home to many works of art, including sculptures by Donatello and frescoes by Pinturicchio and other artists.

What can I do at Siena Cathedral?

While at the Siena Cathedral, you can admire its beautiful architecture, explore its many works of art, and climb to the upper gallery for panoramic views of the church and city. You may also visit the museum and Piccolomini library.

Who designed Siena Cathedral?

The original design of Siena Cathedral’s facade is attributed to Giovanni Pisano, but the cathedral was later expanded and modified by several different architects and artists.

Can locals enter Siena Cathedral for free?

Yes, locals residents of Siena have free entry into Siena Cathedral.

When was Siena Cathedral built?

The basic construction of the Siena Cathedral was completed in 1215 and continued over several centuries, with additions and modifications being made as late as the 19th century.

Can visitors access the cathedral’s terrace, and what can they see from there?

Yes, visitors can access the terrace atop the cathedral’s unfinished facade. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of Siena and the surrounding Tuscan landscape.

How often is the marble mosaic floor of the cathedral uncovered for viewing?

The marble mosaic floor is uncovered only during specific times of the year, typically from late June to late July and from mid-August to mid-October. The exact dates can vary, this year it's open from August 18 - October 16.

How many entrances does Siena Cathedral have?

The main entrance is in the western facade of the cathedral. It also has entrances to the crypt, the museum, and the Piccolomini Library.

Is there parking near Siena Cathedral?

Siena Cathedral is located in the historic center of the city and thus has restrictions on the movement of cars. You will need to find parking outside the restricted limits and walk to Cathedral.