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Siena Cathedral's Piccolomini Library
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.
- Head into the stunning Siena Cathedral and begin your hunt for artistic treasures by the greats like Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini.
- At the Piccolomini Library, witness scenes from the life of Pope Pius II on Pinturicchio's frescoes.
- Armed with an audio guide, explore the Crypt and the Museo dell'Opera, which features sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, and vestments.
- Wind up your experience by climbing up to the terrace of the unfinished façade and catching unmatched panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.
- Head into the stunning Siena Cathedral and begin your hunt for artistic treasures by the greats like Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini.
- At the Piccolomini Library, witness scenes from the life of Pope Pius II on Pinturicchio's frescoes.
- Armed with an audio guide, explore the Crypt and the Museo dell'Opera, which features sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, and vestments.
- Wind up your experience by climbing up to the terrace of the unfinished façade and catching unmatched panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.
Inclusions
- Entry to Siena Cathedral
- Access to Piccolomini Library
- Audio guide
Exclusions
- Access to Gate of Heaven (roof of the Cathedral)
- Live guide
- Tip: Observe two distinct construction phases on the façade — Giovanni Pisano's Romanesque lower section and Camaino di Crescentino's Gothic upper spires.
- Strict dress code: As the Cathedral is a place of worship, please dress appropriately. Sleeveless shirts are not permitted, and shoulders and knees must be covered.
- The Cathedral is accessible via a dedicated ramp on the building's left-hand side.
- The Museum, Crypt, and Baptistery are not wheelchair accessible.
- Please note there is free entry for children up to 6 years of age, residents of the Municipality of Siena, accredited journalists, disabled people with companion, students of University of Siena and University for Foreigners, Parish groups of the Archdiocese of Siena with a letter from the Parish Priest.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 3 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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4.2
3,167 ratings
1.8K
796
195
141
224
Guests from United States, France, Spain and over 44 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Rui
Apr 2025Verified booking
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.
View original review in Portuguese
Pastwa
May 2025Verified booking
Top experience ..Unique ..Beautiful
View original review in German
Hilary
Jun 2025Verified booking
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.
Elizabeth
Jun 2025Verified booking
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
Mark
May 2025Verified booking
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.
Marnik
May 2025Verified booking
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.
View original review in Dutch
Chiappini
May 2025Verified booking
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
View original review in Italian
Richard
May 2025Verified booking
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.
Rebecca
May 2025Verified booking
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.
Aileen
May 2025Verified booking
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
Jane
May 2025Verified booking
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.
Stefano
May 2025Verified booking
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
View original review in Italian
Carmela
May 2025Verified booking
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.
View original review in Italian
Antonio
May 2025Verified booking
Beautiful City rich in history and art. The cathedral, Piazza del Campo but also walking through its streets was a great experience.
View original review in Italian
Joniel
May 2025Verified booking
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 .
Kaia
Apr 2025Verified booking
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.
Francesca
Apr 2025Verified booking
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
View original review in Italian
Gianfranco
Apr 2025Verified booking
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.
View original review in Italian
Andrea
Apr 2025Verified booking
All OK, it would have been helpful to know at the time of booking the times of the masses to better plan the visit!
View original review in Italian
Sharon
Apr 2025Verified booking
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.
Manjit
Apr 2025Verified booking
Ease of ticket purchase online Would be good to include instructions to get voucher at ticket desk and bypass line Cathedral is beautiful with amazing artwork I would advise to take time to look at each and you will see many elements that could easily be missed
Armelle
Apr 2025Verified booking
The audio guide is very well done It allows you to follow the tour at your own pace However, some floor mosaics were hidden by large carpets Too bad I didn't see everything
View original review in French
Louis
Jun 2025Verified booking
By the time I got in , I had only 10 minutes to look around as my bus was leaving Need to go back another time .
Stefania
Jun 2025Verified booking
The cathedral.most beautiful I have ever seen, wonderful library !
View original review in Italian
Miguel
Jun 2025Verified booking
Tickets do not have QR, you have to stand in line at the box office to get them on paper.
View original review in Spanish
- Uncover the secrets of Siena's Cathedral Complex with the OPA SI Pass, which gives you 3 days to learn about its history and art with an audio guide.
- Step into the Piccolomini Library to discover ancient manuscripts and turn your gaze towards the frescoes that bring to life scenes from Pope Pius II’s journey.
- Explore the Crypt’s brightly colored walls that feature significant scenes of the Crucifixion, Descent of the Christ, and the Entombment.
- Don't miss Donatello's depiction of Madonna and Child at Museo dell'Opera and the biblical narratives on the walls of the Baptistery of San Giovanni.
- Learn more about the cathedral's stunning black and white striped facade, and dive deeper into its history with your immersive audio guide.
- Uncover the secrets of Siena's Cathedral Complex with the OPA SI Pass, which gives you 3 days to learn about its history and art with an audio guide.
- Step into the Piccolomini Library to discover ancient manuscripts and turn your gaze towards the frescoes that bring to life scenes from Pope Pius II’s journey.
- Explore the Crypt’s brightly colored walls that feature significant scenes of the Crucifixion, Descent of the Christ, and the Entombment.
- Don't miss Donatello's depiction of Madonna and Child at Museo dell'Opera and the biblical narratives on the walls of the Baptistery of San Giovanni.
- Learn more about the cathedral's stunning black and white striped facade, and dive deeper into its history with your immersive audio guide.
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
- Access to Gate of Heaven (roof of the Cathedral)
- Live guide
- Tip: Make sure to catch scenic views of Siena surrounded by the Tuscan rolling hills from the Facciatone viewpoint.
- Strict dress code: As the Cathedral is a place of worship, please dress appropriately. Sleeveless shirts are not permitted, and shoulders and knees must be covered.
- The Cathedral is accessible via a dedicated ramp on the building's left-hand side.
- The Museum, Crypt, and Baptistery are not wheelchair accessible.
- Don’t miss the chance to see the uncovered floor at Siena Cathedral, accessible until October 16th, 2024.
- Please note there is free entry for children up to 6 years of age, residents of the Municipality of Siena, accredited journalists, disabled people with companion, students of University of Siena and University for Foreigners, Parish groups of the Archdiocese of Siena with a letter from the Parish Priest.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 3 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.4
2,035 ratings
1.3K
435
72
69
123
Guests from United States, France, Spain and over 24 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Chiappini
May 2025Verified booking
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
View original review in Italian
Aileen
May 2025Verified booking
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
Carmela
May 2025Verified booking
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.
View original review in Italian
Joniel
May 2025Verified booking
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 .
Gianfranco
Apr 2025Verified booking
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.
View original review in Italian
Laura
Jun 2025Verified booking
Purchasing tickets with headout : it was very convenient and fast
View original review in Italian
Stefano
Jun 2025Verified booking
Excellent experience Convenience and speed in both ordering and retrieving tickets .
View original review in Italian
RICHARD
May 2025Verified booking
The experience was fine. Siena is an awesome cathedral. I thought I had already given you feedback.
Amelia
May 2025Verified booking
Climbing the tower is an experience due to the feeling of loss of balance.
View original review in Spanish
Angela
May 2025Verified booking
Wonderful experience, organized to the smallest detail
View original review in Italian
Lena
Jun 2025Verified booking
Sarah
Jun 2025Verified booking
Serena
Jun 2025Verified booking
affagard
Jun 2025Verified booking
GISELE
Jun 2025Verified booking
jay
May 2025Verified booking
Mauro
May 2025Verified booking
GOUTELLE
May 2025Verified booking
MARCO
May 2025Verified booking
John
May 2025Verified booking
Ornella
May 2025Verified booking
Leticia
May 2025Verified booking
Sylvain
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Robert
May 2025Verified booking
Elisa
Apr 2025Verified booking
Enjoy access to 3 popular attractions with one easy pass.
- Everything you get: Head to Siena Cathedral to see artworks by greats like Michelangelo and Donatello. See the sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, and vestments in the Crypt and Museo dell'Opera while the audio guide tells you all about its history. Visit the library to see Pinturicchio's frescoes depicting the life of Pope Pius II. Also, explore Palazzo delle Papesse's opulent interiors and artworks as well as the terrace for scenic views.
- Why choose this: Save money with the Siena Icons Pass that offers access to 3 iconic attractions in the city. It is valid for 3 days, which gives you enough time to explore all the landmarks at your own pace and convenience.
Enjoy access to 3 popular attractions with one easy pass.
- Everything you get: Head to Siena Cathedral to see artworks by greats like Michelangelo and Donatello. See the sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, and vestments in the Crypt and Museo dell'Opera while the audio guide tells you all about its history. Visit the library to see Pinturicchio's frescoes depicting the life of Pope Pius II. Also, explore Palazzo delle Papesse's opulent interiors and artworks as well as the terrace for scenic views.
- Why choose this: Save money with the Siena Icons Pass that offers access to 3 iconic attractions in the city. It is valid for 3 days, which gives you enough time to explore all the landmarks at your own pace and convenience.
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
- Access to Gate of Heaven (roof of the Cathedral)
- Live guide
- Hotel transfers
- The Siena Cathedral is a place of worship, therefore, please wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Sleeveless shirts and short skirts are not permitted.
- The Cathedral offers free entry for children up to 6 years of age, residents of the Municipality of Siena, accredited journalists, disabled people with companion, students of University of Siena and University for Foreigners, Parish groups of the Archdiocese of Siena with a letter from the Parish Priest.
- Keep your camera tucked away – photography is strictly prohibited at Palazzo delle Papesse.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Guided Tours
From Florence: Siena, San Gimignano & Chianti Day Trip with Lunch & Curated Countryside Sips
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION10 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
START POINT
Central Florence
Meet your fellow travel mates and set off from the heart of Florence by AC coach.
78.3 km
71 minutes
1
Siena
2 attractions
Independently uncover the historic districts of Siena, or go on a guided tour of the city center and optionally its cathedral.
Things to do
1. Banca Monte dei Paschi
Exploring by yourself? Be sure to check out the oldest bank in the world! It was founded 500 years ago and remains one of Italy's largest banking institutions.
2. Siena Cathedral
Nestled in Piazza del Duomo is the magnificent cathedral, a Gothic-Romanesque masterwork. Select the guided tour with entry to admire the mosaic floors and frescoes within.
45.5 km
59 minutes
2
Chianti Classico
1 activities
Drive along the gentle slopes of Chianti and head into a vintage wine estate.
Things to do
1. Vineyard tour & wine tasting
Included in price
Be welcomed to the organic winery with a glass of sparkling and immerse yourself on a tour of its wine cellar.
2. Tuscan lunch
Lunch
Smack on an exquisite 3-course lunch, accompanied by four delightful wines.
46.4 km
55 minutes
3
San Gimignano
1 attractions
At your leisure, traverse this hilltop city, from its old town's 13th-century walls to its skyline filled with high rises.
Things to do
Torre Grossa
Situated in Piazza Duomo, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the tallest of San Gimignano's medieval skyscrapers.
61.1 km
70 minutes
4
END POINT
Central Florence
Three Tuscan treasures, one unforgettable day—Siena, San Gimignano & Chianti with lunch.
- Day out to Siena, San Gimignano, and a Chianti countryside estate from Florence, all in one day.
- You’ll get round-trip AC coach travel, independent sightseeing, a traditional 3-course lunch, and regional tastings.
- Siena & San Gimignano: Wander Siena’s historic streets on your own and admire San Gimignano’s medieval skyline, known as the 'Manhattan of the Middle Ages'.
- Chianti & Monteriggioni: Savor a countryside meal with handpicked pairings in Chianti. If you're traveling in season, enjoy a stop at the hilltop hamlet of Monteriggioni.
- Upgrades: Opt for a guided walking tour of Siena and entry to the grand Siena Cathedral for deeper insight.
Three Tuscan treasures, one unforgettable day—Siena, San Gimignano & Chianti with lunch.
- Day out to Siena, San Gimignano, and a Chianti countryside estate from Florence, all in one day.
- You’ll get round-trip AC coach travel, independent sightseeing, a traditional 3-course lunch, and regional tastings.
- Siena & San Gimignano: Wander Siena’s historic streets on your own and admire San Gimignano’s medieval skyline, known as the 'Manhattan of the Middle Ages'.
- Chianti & Monteriggioni: Savor a countryside meal with handpicked pairings in Chianti. If you're traveling in season, enjoy a stop at the hilltop hamlet of Monteriggioni.
- Upgrades: Opt for a guided walking tour of Siena and entry to the grand Siena Cathedral for deeper insight.
Inclusions
- Full-day trip around Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti
- Multilingual assistance on board
- Pick up from Florence
- Round-trip AC coach transfer
- Visit to vineyards & cellars in a Chianti winery
- Typical 3-course Tuscan lunch
- Tasting of 3 Chianti regional specialties and 'vin santo'
- Guided tour of Siena city center (as per option selected)
- Entry to Siena Cathedral and Piccolomini Library (as per option selected)
- Tip: It's possible to walk along the 2176-metre perimeter of the second circle of city walls that mark the historical centre of San Gimignano.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- The wine tasting experience is restricted for guests under the age of 18 years.
- Guests under 18 can join the tour if they are each accompanied by at least one adult.
- Guests who have opted to visit the Siena Cathedral must wear clothing that covers the knees and shoulders.
- Please note that the order of visits is subject to change.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.1
840 ratings
527
132
23
46
112
Guests from United States, United Kingdom, Colombia and over 8 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Mihnea
Jun 2025Verified booking
Our hosts Ilaria & Martina were friendly and well prepared with useful information about the places we visited during our trip. We loved all the cities, castles and nature we saw during that day and will be happy to come again for another tour.
Amanda
Jun 2025Verified booking
Robin
May 2025Verified booking
Milagro
May 2025Verified booking
Maria
Apr 2025Verified booking
Jose
Mar 2025Verified booking
NATALIA
Dec 2024Verified booking
The tour is phenomenal, I did not like that the bus does not have a bathroom and that the tasting the person who gave it spoke too fast was not understood much, otherwise perfect.
View original review in Spanish
Nuria
Sep 2024Verified booking
The villages visited were wonderful, the time to visit them perfect and the guides Marta. Fabrizio and Ferdinado, unbeatable. The visit to the vineyards, the wine tasting and the fabulous lunch. Highly recommended!
View original review in Spanish
Rozita
Nov 2024Verified booking
Andrew
Nov 2024Verified booking
Traci-Ann
Nov 2024Verified booking
Rebecca
Oct 2024Verified booking
Cláudo
Oct 2024Verified booking
Antonia
Jul 2024Verified booking
Great experience, perfect length, great lunch & wine. The guide was the cherry on top, fascinating explanations about the places we saw, and even additional explanations about Florence and different things that we saw on the way. The bus trip itself is also a breath of fresh air and air conditioning in between sightseeing. The only tip: I think for european travelers, the 'winery' is obviously not a real winery but a business for tourist entertainment, especially because of the slightly pathetic comedy show pulled by the winery host, with bad jokes targeting directly North American tourists.
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
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Cierra
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Piccolomini Library in a nutshell
Construction era: 1492 - 1502
Materials used: Marble and stone
Notable features: Ceiling frescoes by Pinturicchio, manuscripts, and codices.
Current use: Originally designed to house the manuscript collection of Pope Pius II, the Piccolomini Library now serves as a museum space displaying 15th-century literature and art.
Entrance: Included with your cathedral ticket, the Piccolomini Library is located in the left chapel of the cathedral.
Unique facts:
- The library was commissioned by Francesco Piccolomini Todeschini (later Pope Pius III) as a tribute to his uncle, Enea Silvio Piccolomini (Pope Pius II).
- Despite its name, the library's primary purpose was to showcase the life and achievements of Pope Pius II through Pinturicchio's frescoes.
- Among the library's treasures is a marble sculpture of the Three Graces, a Roman copy of a Hellenistic original.
Your Piccolomini Library tickets explained
Standard entry
OPA SI Pass
Combo tickets
Day trips
Piccolomini Library access
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Why go for it?
Perfect for time-pressed visitors. See the beautiful art and architecture of Siena Duomo's two main highlights - cathedral and library.
Great value for money, granting access to the entire cathedral complex - Piccolomini Library, Baptistery, Crypt, Facciatone & Museum.
Package deals for exploring multiple Tuscan highlights in a day. Wine lovers should consider Brunello di Montalcino & Pienza Pass. Medieval art & architecture fans - San Gimignano Museum Pass.
All-inclusive Tuscan adventure on a hassle-free day trip to Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti. Priority access to Siena Cathedral & Library with a local guide.
Recommended tickets
- Tickets to Siena Cathedral
- OPA SI Pass to Siena Duomo Complex with Audio Guide
- From Florence: Siena, San Gimignano & Chianti Day Trip with Lunch & Wine Tasting
Highlights of the Piccolomini Library
The Three Graces
In the center of the library stands the magnificent sculpture of the Three Graces, a 2nd-century copy of the original piece. This nude representation of Zeus's daughters was discovered in the 15th century and purchased by Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini (Pope Pius III), from Cardinal Prospero Colonna in Rome. Despite some objections to the nudity, Pope Pius III's love for art ensured its place in the Piccolomini Library as a celebrated work in a secular room.
The Life of Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini
There are ten episodic wall paintings in the Piccolomini Library that depict the life and career of Enea Silvio Bartolomeo Piccolomini, to whom the library is dedicated to. Highlights include his departure for the Council of Basel, his naming as imperial poet by Frederick III, and his elevation to cardinal. The Renaissance-style frescoes, known for their elaborate characters and landscapes, took Pinturicchio seven years to complete, with Raphael, his apprentice, rumored to have modeled for several figures.
Illuminated Codices
The books of Aeneas Piccolomini were never transferred to the library from Rome. Instead, a collection of 15th-century codices and illuminated manuscripts, including hymnals and liturgical books, was brought over. These works, illustrated by artists like Girolamo da Cremona and Liberale da Verona, along with other Sienese artists, provide an extensive overview of 15th-century manuscript illumination—the art of painting manuscripts (typically made of animal skin) with precious metals like silver, gold, and vibrant colors.
Ceiling Frescoes
The vaulted ceiling frescoes has intricate Renaissance reinterpretations of classical themes, using Roman mythological figures like satyrs and sea monsters instead of biblical characters. The panels are bordered with detailed patterns and floral motifs. Notable frescoes are Diana Falling in Love with Endymion and The Rape of Proserpina. Above the bronze door leading to the library, don't miss the striking fresco depicting Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini's coronation as Pope Pius III.
Legacy of Piccolomini Library
Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini was born to a noble yet impoverished family in the Republic of Siena in 1405. He became a trusted servant of Emperor Frederick III and a mediator between him and the Papal State. He was rewarded as being made first the Bishop of Siena and then the pope, naming himself Pope Pius II.
While in Rome, Piccolomini, being a humanist and man of great intellectual curiosity put together a formidable collection of books and manuscripts. His nephew Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini, who was first a cardinal and then became a pope himself, decided to erect a library in 1492 to honor his uncle and preserve the collection of manuscripts. His inspiration comes from the French tradition of building libraries attached to Cathedrals.
The frescoes of the library were completed between 1503 and 1508 by the Umbrian painter Bernardino di Betto, better known as Pinturicchio.
Frequently asked questions about the Piccolomini Library
When is the best time to visit the Piccolomini Library to avoid crowds?
The best time to visit the Piccolomini Library to avoid crowds is early in the morning, right after opening hours, or later in the afternoon, close to closing time. Visiting on weekdays during off-peak tourist seasons (spring and fall) also tends to be less crowded.
Can I visit Piccolomini Library with Siena Cathedral tickets?
Yes, access to the Piccolomini Library comes as a standard feature with entry tickets to the Siena Cathedral.
How much time should I allocate for a thorough visit to the library?
Allocate about 30 to 45 minutes for a thorough visit to the Piccolomini Library. This will give you enough time to appreciate the frescoes, explore the manuscripts, and absorb the historical context of the space, especially if you’re using an audio guide.
Is photography allowed inside the Piccolomini Library, and are there any restrictions on using flash?
Personal photography is generally allowed inside the Piccolomini Library, but flash photography is prohibited to protect the artworks and manuscripts from damage.
What is the significance of the Piccolomini Library?
The Piccolomini Library is significant for preserving the legacies of Pope Pius II and Pope Pius III, two popes of Sienese origin through a collection of manuscripts, as well as its Renaissance frescoes.
Are there guided tours available that focus specifically on the Piccolomini Library?
While there aren’t tours that focus exclusively on the Piccolomini Library, many guided tours of the Siena Cathedral include a visit to the library. These tours often provide insightful commentary on the library’s artwork and history.
Is the Piccolomini Library still in use today?
Yes, the Piccolomini Library is still in use today as a museum and cultural site.
Does the standard entry ticket to the library also include access to the other areas pf Duomo complex as well?
The standard entry ticket to the Piccolomini Library includes access to the Siena Cathedral but does not cover other areas of the Duomo complex. For full access, including the Baptistry, Crypt, and Museo dell’Opera, consider purchasing the OPA SI Pass.
Is the Piccolomini Library accessible for visitors with mobility issues?
Yes, the Piccolomini Library is accessible for visitors with mobility issues. The cathedral complex is designed to accommodate all visitors, including those with disabilities.
Can I actually sit and study the manuscripts or other literature available at the library?
Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed to sit and study the manuscripts or other literature in the Piccolomini Library. The manuscripts are primarily for display, and the library functions as a museum rather than a reading room.
From happy customers
Cristina
Jan, 2025
I liked being able to book at the last minute
From the app skipping the line and then the Siena Cathedral is always exciting ante to see
View original review in Italian
Siena Cathedral & Piccolomini Library Tickets with Audio Guide
Olivia
Jun, 2021
The guide was very friendly, and made the tour experience great. We thoroughly enjoy listening to her talk about each of the attractions and their history.
Small-Group Guided Tour of Siena with Optional Cathedral Entry
Mihnea
United KingdomJun, 2025
Our hosts Ilaria & Martina were friendly and well prepared with useful information about the places we visited during our trip.
We loved all the cities, castles and nature we saw during that day and will be happy to come again for another tour.
From Florence: Siena, San Gimignano & Chianti Day Trip with Lunch & Curated Countryside Sips
Natalia
ColombiaDec, 2024
The tour is phenomenal, I did not like that the bus does not have a bathroom and that the tasting the person who gave it spoke too fast was not understood much, otherwise perfect.
View original review in Spanish
From Florence: Siena, San Gimignano & Chianti Day Trip with Lunch & Curated Countryside Sips