{"id":22164,"date":"2026-01-08T18:25:26","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T17:25:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/?page_id=22164"},"modified":"2026-01-08T18:25:28","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T17:25:28","slug":"siena-cathedral-duomo-di-siena-opening-hours-tickets-and-masterpieces","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/en\/siena-cathedral-duomo-di-siena-opening-hours-tickets-and-masterpieces\/","title":{"rendered":"Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena): opening hours, tickets and masterpieces"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Introduction and context<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Siena Cathedral, with its alternating bands of white and green\u2011black marble, is one of the masterpieces of Italian Gothic architecture and stands at the heart of the UNESCO\u2011listed historic centre. Built in the 13th\u201314th&nbsp;centuries, the church contains a treasury of sculptures and paintings by masters such as Nicola and Giovanni&nbsp;Pisano, Donatello, Michelangelo, Bernini, Duccio and Beccafumi. This article answers frequently asked questions about visiting the Duomo \u2013 opening times, ticket options and highlight works such as the inlaid marble floor, the Piccolomini Library, Nicola Pisano\u2019s pulpit and sculptures by Michelangelo and Bernini \u2013 and suggests the nearby <strong>Hotel&nbsp;Minerva<\/strong> as an ideal base for exploring Siena .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"759\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"19157\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20241130_113503-759x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19157\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20241130_113503-759x1024.jpg 759w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20241130_113503-222x300.jpg 222w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20241130_113503-768x1036.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20241130_113503-1000x1349.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20241130_113503-700x944.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20241130_113503.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 759px) 100vw, 759px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"15768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-700x466.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"15684\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15684\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-700x466.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"15726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15726\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-700x466.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"1510\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Camere-Elegant-Vista-Hotel-Siena-Centro-002-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Camere Elegant Vista Hotel Siena Centro\" class=\"wp-image-1510\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Camere-Elegant-Vista-Hotel-Siena-Centro-002.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Camere-Elegant-Vista-Hotel-Siena-Centro-002-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"732\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Camere-Elegant-Vista-Hotel-Siena-Centro-02-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-732\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Camere-Elegant-Vista-Hotel-Siena-Centro-02.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Camere-Elegant-Vista-Hotel-Siena-Centro-02-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Camere-Elegant-Vista-Hotel-Siena-Centro-02-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"656\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Hotel-Vista-Siena-Centro-02-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Camere con Vista Hotel Siena Centro\" class=\"wp-image-656\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Hotel-Vista-Siena-Centro-02.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Hotel-Vista-Siena-Centro-02-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Hotel-Vista-Siena-Centro-02-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" data-id=\"243\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Camere.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-243\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Camere.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Camere-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Staying at Hotel&nbsp;Minerva<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The article describes Hotel&nbsp;Minerva as a welcoming 3\u2011star hotel located within Siena\u2019s medieval walls but just outside the restricted traffic zone. It offers private covered parking, a garden where breakfast is served, free Wi\u2011Fi and a 24\u2011hour reception. Rooms range from budget to panoramic suites with balconies; the hotel lies about 15&nbsp;minutes on foot from Piazza&nbsp;del&nbsp;Campo and 17&nbsp;minutes from the Duomo, making it easy to explore the city without a car .<\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"display:flex; justify-content:center;\">\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Hotel Minerva   Full 4K ITA\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/AW3LygfbUKw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nearby attractions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From the hotel you can easily reach Piazza\u00a0del\u00a0Campo (shell\u2011shaped square with Palazzo\u00a0Pubblico, Torre del\u00a0Mangia and Fonte\u00a0Gaia), the Duomo, the Medici Fortress with its Enoteca Italiana wine cellar, the Museo\u00a0Civico with Lorenzetti\u2019s <strong>Allegory of Good Government<\/strong>, the Basilica of San\u00a0Domenico and the Sanctuary of Saint\u00a0Catherine, the green Orto de\u2019\u00a0Pecci, and the Pinacoteca\u00a0Nazionale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">History of the cathedral<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Gothic cathedral stands on the site of an earlier Romanesque church. Work on the present building began in the mid\u201113th&nbsp;century; the lower part of the fa\u00e7ade was carved by Giovanni&nbsp;Pisano between 1284&nbsp;and&nbsp;1297 , while the upper part was completed around 1370 under the direction of Camaino di Crescentino or his pupil Giovanni di Cecco . Plans to enlarge the church into a vast \u201cDuomo&nbsp;Nuovo\u201d in the 14th&nbsp;century were abandoned after the Black Death, leaving the unfinished fa\u00e7ade known as the <strong>Facciatone<\/strong> .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The fa\u00e7ade<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Giovanni&nbsp;Pisano\u2019s lower fa\u00e7ade is a riot of carved details: twisted columns covered with foliage, gables and openwork tympana, and a host of statues of prophets, ancient philosophers and sibyls . Many originals are now kept in the Museo&nbsp;dell\u2019Opera, while copies remain on the fa\u00e7ade. Three deeply recessed Gothic portals are topped by mosaics inserted in the 19th&nbsp;century depicting scenes of the Virgin. The upper portion, completed later, features three triangular gables with geometric inlays of white, dark green and red marble and a large central rose window. Statues of the Virgin and archangel Michael crown the spires .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The inlaid marble floor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>marble floor<\/strong> of Siena Cathedral is one of its greatest treasures. Made of 56 panels (tarsie) covering the nave and transepts, it was created between the 14th and 19th&nbsp;centuries. Artists carved preparatory drawings into marble slabs, then assembled coloured marble pieces like a stone mosaic; in the oldest sections they also incised lines filled with black stucco . The panels illustrate a programme that moves from pagan wisdom to Christian salvation: the entrance floor warns \u201cRemember to enter chastely into the pure temple of the Virgin,\u201d followed by Hermes Trismegistus surrounded by the ten Sibyls, the she\u2011wolf nursing Romulus and Remus (symbol of Siena) , and scenes such as Pinturicchio\u2019s <strong>Monte della&nbsp;Sapienza<\/strong> (1505). In the transept Beccafumi\u2019s masterpieces (1520\u20111547) depict stories of Elijah and Ahab, Moses and the Tablets of the Law, Isaac\u2019s sacrifice and other Old Testament scenes, using chiaroscuro effects carved in marble ; nearby is <strong>The Massacre of the Innocents<\/strong> by Matteo di Giovanni (1481) . Because of conservation needs, most panels are usually covered; the entire floor is uncovered for about 6\u201310 weeks each year \u2013 generally from the end of June to end of July and again from late August to mid\u2011October . Seeing the whole floor during those periods is a memorable experience, albeit more crowded .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Piccolomini Library<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Along the left aisle is the <strong>Piccolomini Library<\/strong>, commissioned in 1492 by Cardinal Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini (later Pope Pius&nbsp;III) to house the manuscript collection of his uncle Pope Pius&nbsp;II. Pinturicchio and his assistants frescoed the walls between 1502 and 1508 with ten colourful scenes from Pius&nbsp;II\u2019s life: diplomatic missions, coronation, crusade plans and death. The frescos teem with richly dressed figures, imaginary architecture and classical mythological scenes, while the ceiling is decorated with grotesques and allegories . Pinturicchio painted himself and his young assistant Raphael in the <strong>Canonisation of St&nbsp;Catherine<\/strong> . In the centre stands the marble group of <strong>The Three Graces<\/strong> (a Roman copy of a Hellenistic original) . Manuscripts with exquisite illuminations by Liberale da Verona, Girolamo da Cremona and others are displayed in cases . Access to the library is included in the cathedral ticket; you may have to queue briefly due to limited space .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nicola Pisano\u2019s pulpit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the choir stands Nicola&nbsp;Pisano\u2019s pulpit (1265\u20111268), one of the masterpieces of Gothic sculpture. Shaped as an octagonal platform resting on nine columns (some supported by lions), its seven relief panels narrate scenes from Christ\u2019s life: the Nativity, Adoration of the Magi, Presentation in the Temple, Massacre of the Innocents, Crucifixion, Last Judgment and more . Nicola drew inspiration from Roman sarcophagi for the robust figures and drapery, yet infused them with Gothic expressiveness . Statues of virtues, prophets and evangelists adorn the angles and capitals; the central supporting column features sculpted personifications of the seven liberal arts sustaining the preaching of God\u2019s word . This pulpit, finished a few years after Siena\u2019s victory over Florence at Montaperti (1260), is a sculpted sermon in stone and marks a transition from Gothic to Renaissance style .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Michelangelo\u2019s statues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The young Michelangelo carved four statues (1501\u20111504) for the lower niches of the <strong>Piccolomini Altar<\/strong> along the left aisle: St&nbsp;Peter, St&nbsp;Paul, St&nbsp;Gregory the Great and St&nbsp;Pius . Though early works, they already show Michelangelo\u2019s anatomical skill \u2013 the contrapposto of St&nbsp;Paul, the intense gaze of St&nbsp;Peter and the papal vestments of St&nbsp;Gregory . Michelangelo left the project to carve the <strong>David<\/strong> in Florence, so other planned statues were never completed . These figures remain in their niches today; another statue near the library entrance is an ancient sculpture restored by Michelangelo .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bernini\u2019s contributions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pope Alexander&nbsp;VII&nbsp;Chigi commissioned Gian&nbsp;Lorenzo Bernini to design the <strong>Cappella della Madonna del Voto<\/strong> (1661\u20111664) on the south transept. Bernini created an oval baroque chapel encrusted with coloured marbles, gilded stucco and a dome adorned with a golden glory of angels . The chapel enshrines a revered 13th\u2011century icon of the Madonna and Child. Bernini sculpted two expressive statues in the niches: <strong>St&nbsp;Mary Magdalene<\/strong> and <strong>St&nbsp;Jerome<\/strong>, portraying the saints emaciated, in ecstatic penitence and austere blessing . Two additional statues (St&nbsp;Catherine of Siena and St&nbsp;Bernardino) were executed by his pupils following his designs . Bernini also added a gilded dove of the Holy Spirit in the lantern of the cathedral\u2019s main dome .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Donatello at Siena<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Donatello\u2019s art appears in several parts of the complex. In the cathedral proper stands his bronze <strong>St&nbsp;John the Baptist<\/strong> (1457) in the chapel of the same name, depicting the saint gaunt and intense . The Museo&nbsp;dell\u2019Opera houses the bronze tondo <strong>Madonna del&nbsp;Perdono<\/strong> (c.&nbsp;1455) and a relief by Jacopo della Quercia showing the Madonna with the donor Cardinal Casini . Donatello\u2019s most celebrated contributions are in the Baptistery: he and other masters (Jacopo della Quercia, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Giovanni di Turino) created the <strong>Fonte Battesimale<\/strong> (1417\u20111431), an hexagonal font with bronze panels depicting scenes from the life of John&nbsp;the&nbsp;Baptist. Donatello\u2019s panel <strong>Banquet of Herod<\/strong> employs the stiacciato technique to create dramatic perspective and expression ; he also sculpted figures of Faith and Hope among the Virtues on the font .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Panoramic experiences: Facciatone and Porta del&nbsp;Cielo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Two panoramic visits allow you to admire Siena from above. The <strong>Facciatone<\/strong> is the unfinished fa\u00e7ade of the abandoned Duomo&nbsp;Nuovo; from the museum one climbs 131 narrow steps to its top for a 360\u00b0 view of the cathedral dome, bell tower, Piazza&nbsp;del&nbsp;Campo and surrounding hills . Access is included in the OPA&nbsp;Si&nbsp;Pass and visits are self\u2011guided. The <strong>Porta del&nbsp;Cielo<\/strong> (\u201cGate of Heaven\u201d) is a guided tour inaugurated recently that takes visitors through the roof spaces of the cathedral. After ascending spiral staircases, you walk above the vaults and emerge onto small balconies near the dome to view the nave, mosaics and roof up close . The tour (available roughly March to January) lasts about 30&nbsp;minutes, is limited to small groups, and requires a special ticket or the All Inclusive pass .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Museo&nbsp;dell\u2019Opera<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Located inside the unfinished nave of the Duomo&nbsp;Nuovo, the <strong>Museo&nbsp;dell\u2019Opera<\/strong> (founded in 1869) displays masterpieces moved from the cathedral for conservation. Highlights include: Duccio\u2019s monumental <strong>Maest\u00e0<\/strong> (1308\u20111311), with panels of the Madonna enthroned and scenes from Christ\u2019s Passion ; Duccio\u2019s original rose window (1288\u20131290) ; marble statues by Giovanni&nbsp;Pisano that once adorned the fa\u00e7ade ; Renaissance reliefs by Jacopo della Quercia and Donatello ; collections of goldsmiths\u2019 work and liturgical textiles ; illuminated choir books and painted wooden statues such as Domenico di Niccol\u00f2\u2019s <strong>Dolenti<\/strong> . Visiting the museum completes your understanding of the cathedral by revealing original sculptures and providing access to the Facciatone .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Baptistery of San&nbsp;Giovanni<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The separate <strong>Baptistery of San&nbsp;Giovanni<\/strong>, under the east end of the cathedral, is reached from Piazza San&nbsp;Giovanni. Its interior is a treasure of early Renaissance art: three aisles with rib\u2011vaults covered by frescoes by Lorenzo di Pietro (Vecchietta) illustrating the Apostles\u2019 Creed and scenes of the Assumption and Passion (1447\u20111450) . Other frescoes by Benvenuto di Giovanni and Pietro degli Orioli decorate the walls . At the centre, the hexagonal font (1417\u20111431) is adorned with gilded bronze panels by Jacopo della Quercia, Ghiberti, Donatello and others, portraying episodes such as the <strong>Annunciation to Zacharias<\/strong>, <strong>Nativity<\/strong>, <strong>Baptist in the Desert<\/strong>, <strong>Preaching of the Baptist<\/strong>, <strong>Baptism of Christ<\/strong> and the <strong>Banquet of Herod<\/strong> . Statues of the Virtues (Faith and Hope by Donatello, others by Giovanni di Turino and Goro di Ser Neroccio) stand on the angles . The baptistery may be less crowded than the Duomo itself, giving visitors time to appreciate details .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Cripta<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Discovered in 1999 beneath the choir, the <strong>Crypt<\/strong> preserves mid\u201113th\u2011century frescoes that were walled up and hidden for seven centuries. These vivid paintings depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments \u2013 the Annunciation, Nativity, Flight into Egypt, Crucifixion, Deposition and Entombment \u2013 painted by artists such as Guido di Graziano, Dietisalvi di Speme and Rinaldo da Siena . Because they were sealed off soon after completion, their colours remain exceptionally bright. The space also reveals structural remains of the earlier Romanesque choir . Visiting the crypt, which is included in the OPA&nbsp;Si&nbsp;Pass, offers a rare glimpse into the beginnings of Sienese painting .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Santa&nbsp;Maria della&nbsp;Scala<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Directly opposite the cathedral stands the former pilgrim hospital <strong>Santa&nbsp;Maria della&nbsp;Scala<\/strong>, founded as early as the 9th&nbsp;century and expanded over centuries. The huge complex contains the frescoed <strong>Sala del&nbsp;Pellegrinaio<\/strong> (1440) showing scenes of charity, underground chapels such as the Oratory of Saint&nbsp;Catherine of the Night, the Archaeological Museum with Etruscan and Roman finds, and collections of sacred art . Exploring this labyrinthine site \u2013 corridors cut into tufa, Renaissance cloisters, cisterns and kilns \u2013 complements a visit to the Duomo, revealing the social side of medieval Siena . Entry requires a separate ticket and can take 1.5\u20132 hours .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visiting information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Opening hours<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The opening hours of the Siena cathedral complex vary by season. In 2025, standard opening times are approximately: &#8211; <strong>January&nbsp;8&nbsp;\u2013 March&nbsp;30:<\/strong> Monday\u2013Saturday 10:30&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;17:30; Sundays and solemnities 13:30&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;17:30 (cathedral only).<br>&#8211; <strong>March&nbsp;31&nbsp;\u2013 November&nbsp;2:<\/strong> Monday\u2013Saturday 10:00&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;19:00 (museum opens at 9:30); Sundays\/holidays 13:30&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;18:00.<br>&#8211; <strong>Period of the uncovered floor (27 June&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;31 July and 18&nbsp;August&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;15&nbsp;October):<\/strong> daily 10:00&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;19:00 (museum 9:30&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;19:30); on Sundays the cathedral opens from 9:30 .<br>&#8211; <strong>November&nbsp;3&nbsp;\u2013 December&nbsp;24:<\/strong> 10:30&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;17:30 on weekdays; Sundays 13:30&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;17:30.<br>&#8211; <strong>Christmas period (Dec&nbsp;26&nbsp;\u2013 Jan&nbsp;6):<\/strong> 10:00&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;19:00 on weekdays; Sundays 13:30&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;17:30 .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Last admission is always 30&nbsp;minutes before closing. The Duomo is closed on Christmas Day and on the morning of New Year\u2019s Day. On Sunday mornings outside the floor\u2011unveiling periods the cathedral is reserved for Mass .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tickets and passes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ticket options include: &#8211; <strong>OPA&nbsp;Si&nbsp;Pass:<\/strong> a combined ticket valid for three consecutive days giving entry to the cathedral, Piccolomini Library, Museo&nbsp;dell\u2019Opera and Facciatone, Cripta, Baptistery and the Diocesan Museum (Oratory of San&nbsp;Bernardino). The pass costs \u20ac14 (\u20ac16 during the floor\u2011unveiling period), \u20ac3 for children 7\u201311, and is free for under\u20116s and other categories . It includes a free audio guide to download . &#8211; <strong>OPA&nbsp;Si&nbsp;Pass&nbsp;+ Porta del&nbsp;Cielo:<\/strong> adds the roof\u2011top tour; it costs around \u20ac21 (\u20ac6 for children) and includes an appointment for the guided tour. &#8211; <strong>Cathedral ticket:<\/strong> entry only to the cathedral and library when the floor is covered; about \u20ac7 (price may be aligned with the pass during floor\u2011unveiling periods) .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tickets can be purchased at the onsite ticket offices in Piazza&nbsp;Duomo or at the Visitor Center on Via&nbsp;di&nbsp;Citt\u00e0, or online via the Opera Laboratori \/ Vivaticket websites . Buying online is recommended in high season and for securing a slot on the Porta del&nbsp;Cielo tour .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best times to visit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>End of September \u2013 October:<\/strong> ideal for seeing the uncovered floor with pleasant weather and fewer crowds .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>April \u2013 May and October \u2013 November:<\/strong> a good compromise between moderate climate and manageable visitor numbers (though the floor is covered during these months) .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Winter (January \u2013 February):<\/strong> very quiet and atmospheric, but the Porta del\u00a0Cielo tour closes and the cathedral is cold .<br>Avoid the peak days around the Palio (2\u00a0July and 16\u00a0August) and major holidays like Easter and All Saints when Siena is crowded .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For photography, the fa\u00e7ade is best lit in the morning; the evening is ideal for climbing the Facciatone. Arrive at opening time to avoid queues in the library. Respect dress codes (no bare shoulders or short shorts) and silence during religious services . Photographs without flash are allowed; bring water and note that toilets are outside the cathedral. The cathedral is accessible via a side ramp, but the museum, crypt and baptistery have steps and limited accessibility .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visit duration and tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Allow at least two hours to tour the whole complex. It is possible to split visits over two or three days with the pass . Use the free audio guide or hire a licensed guide to appreciate the art and history . Avoid visiting during Masses and be mindful of sacred spaces . Consider visiting Santa&nbsp;Maria della&nbsp;Scala for a broader view of Siena\u2019s social history .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hotel Minerva\u2019s services<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The article ends by recommending Hotel&nbsp;Minerva as a base for visiting Siena\u2019s treasures. The hotel offers various room categories \u2013 Junior&nbsp;Suite, Superior, Elegant&nbsp;Standard and Easy&nbsp;Economy \u2013 some with balconies overlooking the historic centre. Amenities include a guarded garage, breakfast included, a panoramic garden, bar, 24\u2011hour reception, meeting room, relaxation areas and even horse\u2011riding excursions . Special offers and packages (romantic getaways, tasting experiences, floor visits) are available throughout the year .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction and context The Siena Cathedral, with its alternating bands of white and green\u2011black marble, is one of the masterpieces<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-22164","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena): opening hours, tickets and masterpieces - Hotel Minerva Siena<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/en\/siena-cathedral-duomo-di-siena-opening-hours-tickets-and-masterpieces\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena): opening hours, tickets and masterpieces - 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