The Cathedral of Siena is a must-see attraction in the Tuscan city, along with the distinctive Piazza del Campo, famous for the world-famous Palio horse race. This cathedral is a magnificent example of Italian Romanesque-Gothic art, housing beautiful sculptures and stained glass windows.
Siena Cathedral: what to see
Fonte Battesimale del Duomo di Siena
The Cathedral of Siena, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, is one of the most significant examples of Italian Gothic architecture. Construction of the cathedral began in the 12th century and was completed in the 14th century. The façade, made of white, dark green and red marble, is decorated with intricate sculptures and mosaics. The three interior naves are equally impressive, with vaulted ceilings and numerous works of art.
Inside the cathedral are masterpieces by artists such as Nicola Pisano, Donatello, Michelangelo and Pinturicchio. The high altar, with its elaborate canopy, is one of the focal points of the cathedral. You can also admire the Baptismal Font of the Cathedral of Siena, recently returned to its former glory after careful restoration.
The floor of Siena Cathedral, a work within a work
One of the most extraordinary elements of the Cathedral of Siena is its floor, considered one of the most elaborate and rich. The floor is made with the graffito technique, using marbles of different colours to create complex designs and scenes. The stories depicted include episodes from the Old Testament, the Massacre of the Innocents and depictions of the Madonna and Christ near the altar.
Due to its delicacy and preciousness, the floor of the Cathedral is only visible at certain times of the year. During these times, visitors can admire the intricate decorations by directly accessing the cathedral with a visit ticket.
Il pavimento del Duomo di Siena
Piccolomini Bookshop
Another wonder not to be missed is the Piccolomini Library, located inside the Duomo. This place is famous for the cycle of frescoes painted by Pinturicchio in the 16th century along the walls, depicting scenes from the life of Enea Piccolomini, to whom the library is dedicated. The vault of the library is decorated with mythological episodes and allegories.
Tickets for Siena Cathedral
To visit the Cathedral of Siena, it is possible to buy tickets that only allow access to the cathedral or opt for a pass that includes the entire complex, including the Baptistery, the Crypt and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.
The standard cathedral ticket you buy online must then be converted into a paper ticket on site; the cathedral can be visited between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. in summer and until 6 p.m. in winter. Check the times carefully when planning your visit, as access may be restricted during religious rites.
The pass for the Opera del Duomo, on the other hand, offers a complete experience, allowing you to explore all the artistic and historical wonders of the site, so you can make some nice savings. Again, the ticket purchased online must be shown at the ticket office to obtain an official entry coupon. The advantage of this ticket is that you can take your time with your visit, as it is valid for 3 days. It also includes an audio guide that you can listen to directly from your smartphone with an app.
How long does the visit last and how to get to the Cathedral
A visit to the Siena Cathedral complex requires at least 2-3 hours to be fully appreciated, without having to do everything in a hurry. One can also take a break and return later. For the entrance to the cathedral remember that, as is often the case with other religious buildings, appropriate clothing is required, which does not leave legs and arms uncovered.
The cathedral is located in the city centre, not far from the central Piazza del Campo, which can be reached by city bus (line 590). Signs in the city generally guarantee a fairly easy route to the attraction.
When visiting the Duomo di Siena be sure to plan your visit carefully, buying your tickets in advance to avoid long waits and ensure a peaceful and enjoyable experience.