The cathedral museum in the unfinished nave of the planned Duomo Nuovo, with Duccio's Maestà and the Facciatone panoramic viewpoint.
The Museo dell'Opera della Metropolitana occupies the right aisle of the unfinished Duomo Nuovo, the enormous Cathedral extension begun in 1339 and abandoned after the Black Death. It keeps the original works removed from the Cathedral for conservation. The prize is Duccio di Buoninsegna's Maestà, the double-sided altarpiece painted between 1308 and 1311 that marks the start of the Sienese school. The ground floor also displays Giovanni Pisano's original sculptures from the Cathedral facade, now replaced outdoors by copies. A staircase leads up to the Facciatone, the tall free-standing wall of the unbuilt new facade, from which visitors see the Campo, the Cathedral dome and the Tuscan hills.
| Admission | Adult Included in the OPA SI Pass (about EUR 16-20 / ~$18-23); museum-only ticket available at the Opera ticket office · Child Reduced rates on the pass |
|---|---|
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time | Late afternoon for the light over the rooftops from the Facciatone |
| Getting there | Beside the Cathedral; entrance from Piazza Jacopo della Quercia / Piazza Duomo 8 |
| Address | Piazza del Duomo 8, 53100 Siena SI, Italy |
Good to know
- Best for
- art lovers, views
Location
Piazza del Duomo 8, 53100 Siena SI, Italy
43.3176, 11.3297 View on map
Highlights
- Duccio's Maestà (1308-1311)
- Giovanni Pisano's original facade statues
- Facciatone viewpoint over Siena
- Unfinished Duomo Nuovo nave
Tips for visiting
- Climb to the Facciatone (the unfinished facade wall) for a free-standing view of the Campo and the Cathedral dome
- Look for Duccio's Maestà, made 1308-1311 for the Cathedral high altar
- The museum opens earlier (9:30AM) than the Cathedral
When to visit
Late afternoon.
Accessibility
Main floors have lifts; the Facciatone climb is by narrow stairs and is not accessible.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
What is the Facciatone?
The surviving facade wall of the planned Duomo Nuovo; visitors climb it for a panoramic view of Siena.
Is the museum covered by the OPA SI Pass?
Yes, together with the Cathedral, Library, Baptistery, Crypt and Facciatone.