A Romanesque-Gothic cathedral clad in black-and-white striped marble, decorated by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, Michelangelo and Pinturicchio.
The cathedral dates from the 12th and 13th centuries and was completed in its main form by about 1370. Giovanni Pisano designed the lower facade, and the upper levels were finished in the 14th century. Nicola Pisano carved the pulpit in 1265-1268, and artists including Domenico Beccafumi worked on the 56 inlaid floor panels over five centuries. A scheme begun in 1339 to build a much larger cathedral was stopped by the Black Death of 1348 and the unfinished walls remain beside the Museo dell'Opera. The Cathedral still serves the Archdiocese of Siena.
| Admission | OPA SI Pass about EUR 16-20 (~$18-23); Cathedral with Library about EUR 6-8 (~$7-9); higher while the floor is uncovered |
|---|---|
| Hours | 1 April-31 October daily 10:00AM-7:00PM; 7 January-31 March and 1 November-24 December 10:30AM-5:30PM; Sundays and holidays vary (official 2026 calendar at operaduomo.siena.it) |
| Address | Piazza del Duomo, 53100 Siena SI, Italy |
Why it matters
The finest Italian Gothic cathedral in the Sienese tradition and part of the UNESCO historic centre.
Site facts
- Built
- c. 1196-1370s (main body 13th century)
- Architect
- Nicola Pisano, Giovanni Pisano and others
- Style
- Romanesque-Gothic
- UNESCO listing
- True
Location
Piazza del Duomo, 53100 Siena SI, Italy
43.3178, 11.3291 View on map
Highlights
- Nicola Pisano pulpit
- Inlaid marble floor
- Piccolomini Library
- Unfinished Duomo Nuovo
Tips for visiting
- Buy the OPA SI Pass at Opera della Metropolitana, tel. +39 0577 283048, operaduomo.siena.it
- Cover shoulders and knees
Accessibility
Ramp access to the nave; upper areas have stairs.
Frequently asked questions
When was the cathedral completed?
The main body was completed by about 1370, with decoration continuing for centuries.