Siena Cathedral's Opening Hours — All You Need to Know

Siena Cathedral Opening Hours

Siena Cathedral

Jan - Mar

Apr - Jun

Jul - Sep

Oct - Dec

Jan 1 TO Jan 6 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Jan 6)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	10:30am–6:00pm	5:30pm
Tuesday	10:30am–6:00pm	5:30pm
Wednesday	10:30am–6:00pm	5:30pm
Thursday	10:30am–6:00pm	5:30pm
Friday	10:30am–6:00pm	5:30pm
Saturday	10:30am–6:00pm	5:30pm
Sunday	10:30am–6:00pm	5:30pm

Jan 7 TO Mar 31 Timings Days (Jan 7 TO Mar 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	10:30am–5:30pm	5:00pm
Tuesday	10:30am–5:30pm	5:00pm
Wednesday	10:30am–5:30pm	5:00pm
Thursday	10:30am–5:30pm	5:00pm
Friday	10:30am–5:30pm	5:00pm
Saturday	10:30am–5:30pm	5:00pm
Sunday	10:30am–5:30pm	5:00pm

Piccolomini library

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS
Monday	10:30am–5:30pm
Tuesday	10:30am–5:30pm
Wednesday	10:30am–5:30pm
Thursday	10:30am–5:30pm
Friday (Today)	10:30am–5:30pm
Saturday	10:30am–5:30pm
Sunday	1:30am–5:30pm

Best time to visit the Siena Cathedral

Weekday vs Weekend

The weekends are best avoided due to the surge of visitors the Cathedral experiences around that time. You will also have limited time to view the Cathedral during these times due to the late opening hours on Sundays and public holidays.
The best time to visit would be on a weekday, preferably in the morning after mass, when the congregation disperses and the Cathedral experiences quiet for a few hours. The late afternoons are also preferable for a quiet and solemn experience of the church as visitors have usually broken for lunch around this time.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Peak season vs Low season

The peak tourist season in Siena is from April to October. This is when the city sees the most number of visitors. The added beauty and weather of the summer seasons make it a joyous time to visit the city. The Siena Cathedral, on the other hand, is usually very crowded around this time, making it difficult to view the interiors with ease and capture good photographs.
In the low season, post-October, the crowds diminish and the Cathedral is relatively free of thronging crowds. However, the weather tends to become nippy and additional layering is required. That being said, visiting from August to October may provide the best experience as this is the time when the peak season is ending and visitors even get to enjoy the unveiled marble panels of the floor.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Peak Season

What are the Mass Timings of Siena Cathedral?

Mass in the Siena Cathedral takes in the Chapel of the Vow or the Capella del Voto located inside the Cathedral. When the marble floor of the Cathedral is fully unveiled, mass is held in the church of the Santissima Annunziata.

General timings:

Mass takes place on weekdays at 9:30 AM.

On holidays and days before holidays, mass is held at 8 AM, 11 AM, 12:15 PM, and 6 PM (6:30 PM in Summer)

When is the marble floor of the Siena Cathedral unveiled?

The marble floor of the Siena Cathedral which contains 56 stunning panels created by Sienese artists is a defining feature of the 13th-century church. However, for most of the year, most of the floor of the Cathedral is covered by a cloth in order to protect panels from staining or being scratched.

The good news is that for a period of time, the floor is unveiled for the public to see. In the year 2022, the floor was unveiled from 27 June to 31 July and from 18 August to 17 October. It is expected that similar dates will be followed in the year 2023.

How long does it take to visit the Siena Cathedral?

The Siena Cathedral is an extensive structure with an extremely detailed facade and an exquisitely decorated interior. Moreover, the treasured works of art including frescos, stone altars, sculptures, and paintings require careful attention in order to appreciate the richness of this cultural landmark. You may also opt to go on a Gate of Heaven tour or see the other buildings in the Cathedral complex such as the museum, the baptistery, and the oratory. Hence, it is recommended to spend a minimum of an hour at the Siena Cathedral.

Frequently asked questions about the Seina Cathedral opening hours

Is the Siena Cathedral open every day?

Yes, the Siena Cathedral is open every day. However, special timings may apply on certain religious festivals.

Is the Siena Cathedral open on public holidays?

Yes, the Siena Cathedral remains open on most public holidays but for shorter durations.

Should I visit the Siena Cathedral on a public holiday?

You may visit the cathedral on a public holiday. However, the cathedral will be more crowded than usual, and you also have limited time to view the cathedral as opening and closing hours are shorter on holidays.

What are the Siena Cathedral opening hours for public holidays?

The opening and closing timings of the Siena Cathedral are shorter on Sundays and public holidays. Although it depends on the time of year, the timings are usually between 1:30 PM in the afternoon to 6 PM in the evening.

Do the opening hours of Siena Cathedral vary during major religious festivals or cultural events in the city, such as the Palio di Siena horse race?

During major religious festivals or cultural events in Siena, such as the Palio di Siena horse race, the opening hours of Siena Cathedral may be subject to change to accommodate increased visitor traffic or special ceremonies. Visitors planning to visit during these times should check for any adjustments to the cathedral's schedule.