Things to Do at Siena Cathedral (Duomo)

Complete Guide to Siena Cathedral (Duomo) in Siena

About Siena Cathedral (Duomo)

Siena's cathedral is the kind of place that makes you understand why medieval pilgrims traveled for months to see it. The Duomo di Siena isn't just impressive - it's genuinely overwhelming, with its striped marble facade and intricate Gothic details that seem to compete for your attention. What's particularly striking is how the cathedral manages to feel both monumental and intimate, especially when you're standing inside looking up at that star-studded blue ceiling. The cathedral actually represents centuries of ambition and artistic rivalry with Florence. The Sienese originally planned to make this just the transept of an even more massive church, but the plague of 1348 and structural problems put an end to those grand plans. What remains, though, is arguably more beautiful than what they initially envisioned - sometimes limitations force the most creative solutions.

What to See & Do

Piccolomini Library

Pinturicchio's frescoes here are genuinely striking - lively Renaissance scenes depicting the life of Pope Pius II. The colors are so well-preserved they look like they were painted yesterday.

Marble Floor Inlays

These intricate marble mosaics cover the entire floor and are only fully uncovered for about 10 weeks each year (usually late August to October). Even when partially covered, what you can see gives you a sense of the incredible craftsmanship.

Bernini's Chigi Chapel

A baroque masterpiece tucked into this Gothic cathedral. The contrast is striking, and Bernini's sculptures of St. Jerome and Mary Magdalene are worth the visit alone.

Nicola Pisano's Pulpit

This octagonal marble pulpit from the 1260s is a masterclass in Gothic sculpture. The relief panels depicting the life of Christ are incredibly detailed - you could spend an hour just examining the faces.

Duccio's Stained Glass Window

The round stained glass window above the altar was designed by Duccio, and when the afternoon light hits it just right, the whole apse glows. It's one of the largest medieval stained glass windows in Italy.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally open 10:30am-7pm (March-October) and 10:30am-5:30pm (November-February), but hours can vary for religious services. The Piccolomini Library typically closes 30 minutes before the cathedral.

Tickets & Pricing

The OPA Si Pass (around €15) gives you access to the cathedral, library, crypt, and museum. You can buy tickets online or at the office across from the cathedral. During peak season, timed entry might be required.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon tends to be less crowded. If you're visiting when the marble floors are uncovered (late August-October), book well in advance as it gets particularly busy.

Suggested Duration

Plan for at least 1-2 hours to properly appreciate the cathedral and library. If you're including the museum and crypt, allow 3-4 hours total.

Getting There

The cathedral dominates Piazza del Duomo in Siena's historic center. You'll walk there from anywhere in the old town-distances are short. Coming from outside the city? Park at Santa Caterina or Il Campo lots outside the walls, then walk up through the pedestrian-only historic center. The train station is 20 minutes uphill on foot. Local buses run to Piazza del Sale if you don't want the climb.

Things to Do Nearby

Piazza del Campo
Siena's famous shell-shaped main square is just a 5-minute walk away. It's where the Palio horse race happens twice a year, and the Palazzo Pubblico with its Torre del Mangia offers great city views.

Santa Maria della Scala
This former hospital directly across from the cathedral is now a fascinating museum complex with medieval frescoes and archaeological finds. The Pellegrinaio hall is particularly impressive.

Palazzo Salimbeni
Home to the world's oldest bank (Monte dei Paschi), this Gothic palace complex is worth seeing for its architecture, even if you're just walking by.

Basilica of San Domenico
About a 10-minute walk away, this massive brick church houses relics of St. Catherine of Siena and offers some of the best views back toward the cathedral and city center.

Tips & Advice

Dress modestly - shoulders and knees should be covered, and they do enforce this, especially during busy periods

The marble floors are only fully uncovered for about 10 weeks a year, so if you're visiting during that time, book your tickets well in advance

Photography is allowed in most areas, but not in the Piccolomini Library - they're pretty strict about this

Consider buying the combined ticket that includes the cathedral museum - Duccio's Maestà altarpiece alone makes it worthwhile