Visit Siena Cathedral: tickets, prices, schedules

Are you coming to Tuscany in the pretty city of Siena? So don't miss visiting its magnificent cathedral, an emblematic building of the region!

Visit Siena Cathedral ( Duomo di Siena in the language of Dante) it is to discover one of the most beautiful churches in Tuscany! This region of central Italy was a high place in the Renaissance era. Florence , his capital, then shared with Siena a major cultural radiation at the European level. Today there are many traces of this important time for the region!

With its spectacular architecture skillfully mixing stylistic schools, it is impossible to miss the Cathedral of Siena when you go to the city! As beautiful on the outside and inside, it houses internationally renowned artistic masterpieces that attract thousands of visitors every year!

Wanderlix tells you all about this jewel of the Tuscan heritage.

History of Siena Cathedral

Located in the heart of the city of Siena, Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Cathedral ( Santa Maria Assunta ) is a amazing place ! It is characterized by the assembly of white, red and black marbles. It was erected over two centuries between 1136 and 1382!

The facade was built according to the plans of the illustrious sculptor Giovanni Pisano at the end of the 13th century. Its colossal size would have made it the largest cathedral in Europe if... the plague epidemic of 1348 had not hindered the construction of a nave.

Visiting Siena Cathedral allows you to observe an amazing mix of style. The bottom of the cathedral is typical of the Romanesque style while the roof and facades, completed two centuries later, are of Gothic inspiration. World famous for its marble pavement representing ten sibylls (prophets), the cathedral houses many works of art: sculptures, frescoes and many treasures.

Our tips to visit Siena Cathedral

Duration of the visit to Siena Cathedral

Count two hours to visit the Cathedral of Siena according to the chosen formula. There is a lot to see, admire and learn!

Best time to visit Siena Cathedral

Offering a ticket to the Cathedral of Siena is a right of access for one of the most famous monuments in Europe. As a result, the site is very frequent and especially in the summer. The tail can last several hours at the strongest of the high season!

Know that the Gate of Heaven is closed in January and February . We therefore recommend you to avoid these two months for a full visit to the building.

Additional information

• People with reduced mobility can visit Siena Cathedral without any problems;
• The reservation of your ticket to Siena Cathedral is (very strongly) recommended not to waste time especially in high tourist season;
• The cathedral is high in color... not in temperature. It’s cool, even in the summer: keep a small vest in your bag;
• Our friends animals are obviously not welcome inside the building;
• Provide a proper outfit and adopt a respectful behavior in this holy place. In addition, it is forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in the cathedral.

What to do during your visit to Siena Cathedral?

When you come to visit Siena Cathedral, you will immediately be fascinated by its remarkablely decorated façade ! It is all made of architectural elements carved to perfection. The triangular fronton includes a mosaic representing the crowning of the virgin.

Long 90 meters, the nave is supported by imposing pillars of white and black marbles. Stucs busts dominate the visitor: they are the popes, who watch over the place! The interior of the cathedral is a jewel of the Italian heritage . The stained-glass window dates from the end of the thirteenth century and illuminates when it is beautiful. There is a choir and a grand altar, works of Baldassarre Peruzzi dating more than five centuries. The pavement, worldly known splendour, represents biblical scenes and mystical characters.

D countless works of art will also mark your visit to Siena Cathedral. Saint Jérôme de Bernini, Saint Paul represented by Michelangelo or the creations of Pinturicchio. Herod’s banquet, designed by Donatello, is also one of the jewels of the place. You can also admire the Piccolomini library decorated with frescoes of Pinturicchio and the remarkable marble floor of the cathedral.

Below, the crypt and the baptistery bathed in an atmosphere are essentials of the visit. Then it ends with the ascent to the top of the cathedral on the panoramic terrace. Access to the cathedral museum is also included: it is very enriching to know everything about its rich history. Also know that June to October , one interactive animation takes place in the tunnels under the cathedral. Light effects highlight the history of the city and its inhabitants.

How much does a ticket cost to Siena Cathedral?

Several formulas exist to visit the Cathedral of Siena but this is the Pass All Inclusive which is the best option: it gives access to the whole building!

This ticket to Siena Cathedral costs 20 € per adult and 5 € only for children aged 7 to 11 . Younger, they will have nothing to pay to enter this sumptuous place.

The pass is valid for three days from the date of purchase and may be purchased directly at the ticket office. Know that the benefits are entirely dedicated to the conservation of the artistic and musical complex of Siena Cathedral.

Are there guided tours of Siena Cathedral?

Guided tours are offered but must be most often booked in advance. Know that access to the Gate of Heaven is done by groups of 18 persons maximum , supervised by a security officer.

Are there visits combined with other monuments of Siena?

Many formulas exist to combine your visit with other monuments of Siena. For example, you can explore the whole city with a local guide that will make you visit San Domenico Basilica .

Then you will walk through the paved streets of the medieval city and its historic heart: the Piazza del Campo . Head of History and famous for its shell form, it is considered one of the most beautiful places in Italy!

The guided tour ends with that of the Siena Cathedral and the contemplation of the city from the top of its panoramic terrace Waow!

Opening hours

Your ticket to Siena Cathedral allows you to access it every day between 10:30 and 5 p.m. . The Sunday , you can only visit it starting at 1:30 .

How to get to Siena Cathedral?

The cathedral is easy to access, you can easily walk. The monument occupies a central location and is indicated by many signs. Lines bus 501 and 130 Stop it.

Otherwise, enjoy the comfort of a taxi and the joviality of his driver!

Where to park near Siena Cathedral?

Siena is a city in the centre of Italy where traffic is similar to the one we know in France. You can move there without too much difficulty. To park there, choose the little one parking of Strada Laterina , near the municipal cemetery. Free , it is only 15 minutes walk from the Piazza del Campo only a hundred metres away from the cathedral!

The parking of Strada di Malizia is he too free and close to the cathedral. The closest to your destination simply remains Parking du Duomo , near Porta San Marco. It will cost you 2 € of the hour or full day for 35 € .

Where to stay near Siena Cathedral?

No hesitation if possible: opt for housing on the Piazza del Campo . It is the historic heart of the city where the Palazzo Publico and Torre del Mangia ! The Cathedral of Siena itself is only a two-minute walk away.

The Palio a race of folk horses takes place every summer. Accommodation for rent are often offered in advance. Book an apartment, it's really worth it!

Otherwise, opt for a hotel room billed about 100 euros per night on average. There are many establishments in this tourist sector: you have a choice! To help you with your research, do not hesitate to consult a hotel comparison , who will offer you the offers that best match your desires. You can also choose one Airbnb for a more authentic stay!