A striped black-and-white marble Gothic cathedral with an inlaid marble floor, a Nicola Pisano pulpit and the Piccolomini Altar.
Siena Cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin, was built mostly in the 12th and 13th centuries and decorated through the 14th. Its facade, with sculpture by Giovanni Pisano and polychrome marble, is Italian Gothic at its richest, and the interior is clad in black-and-white striped marble, the colours of Siena. Highlights include the octagonal marble pulpit carved by Nicola Pisano in 1265-1268, the inlaid marble floor of 56 panels designed by dozens of artists between the 14th and 19th centuries, the Piccolomini Altar with statues by the young Michelangelo, and Bernini's chapel of the Madonna del Voto. A plan in 1339 to build a much larger cathedral using the existing nave as a transept was abandoned after the Black Death of 1348, leaving the unfinished wall now known as the Facciatone. The Cathedral is the core of a complex run by the Opera della Metropolitana that also includes the Piccolomini Library, Baptistery, Crypt and Museo dell'Opera.
| Admission | EUR 6-20 (~$7-23) |
|---|---|
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time | Opening time, or the last two hours before closing |
| Getting there | Piazza del Duomo; about 10 minutes on foot from the Campo along Via di Città, or 15 minutes from the Piazza Gramsci bus terminal |
| Address | Piazza del Duomo, 53100 Siena SI, Italy |
Good to know
- Best for
- art lovers, architecture fans, first-time visitors
Location
Piazza del Duomo, 53100 Siena SI, Italy
43.3178, 11.3291 View on map
Highlights
- Nicola Pisano's pulpit (1265-1268)
- Inlaid marble floor of 56 panels
- Piccolomini Altar with Michelangelo statues
- Black-and-white striped marble interior
Tips for visiting
- Buy the pass at operaduomo.siena.it or at the ticket office in the Opera complex (Piazza Duomo 8) and keep the voucher; the pass is valid for 72 hours
- The marble floor is uncovered for display for part of the year, 27 June-31 July and 18 August-31 October in 2026, and tickets cost more then
- Cover shoulders and knees; the Cathedral enforces a dress code and is closed to visitors during some services
- Book the Porta del Cielo (Gate of Heaven) rooftop tour in advance online; it runs 1 March-6 January
When to visit
Opening time; Sundays have shorter morning access.
Accessibility
The cathedral nave is accessible with ramps; the Gate of Heaven, Crypt and Facciatone involve steps. Call +39 0577 283048 to arrange assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the cathedral floor uncovered?
In 2026 the official calendar shows 27 June-31 July and 18 August-31 October; for the rest of the year most panels are covered for protection. Ticket prices rise during display periods.
How long is the OPA SI Pass valid?
Reported sources give 72 hours from the Cathedral time slot or first activation; confirm at operaduomo.siena.it.
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Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta)
Buy tickets on operalaboratori.vivaticket.it