Siena Cathedral (Duomo) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Siena Cathedral. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Tuscany Day Trip From Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, and Lunch at a Winery

• Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano Day Trip With Lunch & Wine Pairing

• Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti Wines Day Tour From Florence

• Tuscany: Day Trip to Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti

• Siena and San Gimignano: Small-Group Tour With Lunch From Florence

Ticket prices vary for the Siena Cathedral. The cheapest Siena Cathedral tickets include just the cathedral and the Piccolomini Library: These cost €9 for adults and €2 for children under 7, disabled visitors and their necessary companions, and Siena locals. The OPA Si Pass grants access to the entire complex for three days and costs €14–16 for general entry and €3 for children ages 7–11.

Yes, Siena Cathedral is worth visiting—particularly when its extraordinary floor is uncovered, revealing a marble "carpet" with incredibly lifelike scenes. The opulent exterior is a highlight of the city's historic center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), while its resplendent interior houses works by artists such as Michelangelo. Consider seeing it with a guide who understands Siena's history and customs so that you can take in multiple sights.

Per one customer who booked the Discover the Medieval Charm of Siena on a Private Walking Tour, "Our guide, Dace, was incredibly knowledgeable about her city. She tailored the itinerary to our interests based on our questions, comments, and reactions, and she made our experience in Siena so much better than it would have been without her guidance. She even took us off the typical route to see her cantrada's fountain and horse stall because of our interest in the snails! At the end of the tour, she looked over our short list of restaurants for lunch and helped us pick a fantastic option."

The Siena Cathedral, or the Duomo di Siena, features a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, combining elements from both styles. Its facade features intricate Gothic carvings, resembling lace, while the dark green and white marble construction adds to its allure. The striped campanile (bell tower), dating to 1313, reflects Romanesque influences.

Though the intricate facade of the Siena Cathedral is striking, some of the church's most compelling features are inside. These include columns of black and white marble, artworks by Italian masters, a series of upper-story rooms called the “Gate of Heaven," and an elaborate marble mosaic inlay and graffito floor.

The Siena Cathedral has very limited accessibility. Wheelchair users can skip the front stairs and enter the building via a dedicated ramp to the left of the building. However, once indoors, you’ll find much of the building inaccessible to wheelchairs, including the Museum, Crypt, and Baptistry.

While there isn't a strict dress code at the Siena Cathedral, visitors are encouraged to dress modestly out of respect for the site’s religious significance. It’s best to cover your shoulders and ankles and avoid wearing revealing clothing or beachwear. Generally, short sleeves are okay, but tank tops and short skirts are not.

The Siena Cathedral holds many treasures, but the marble mosaic inlay and graffito floor is the most renowned. Renaissance painter and architect Giorgio Vasari called the elaborate floor, which comprises 56 panels depicting scenes and figures from Greek-Roman myths and the Old Testament, the "most beautiful, largest, and most magnificent floor ever made."

Yes, you can climb to the top of the Siena Cathedral for panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. The climb involves ascending a series of narrow staircases and is rewarded with unbeatable vistas from the cathedral's rooftop. This ascent usually requires a special access ticket.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Siena Cathedral. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Siena:

• Piazza del Campo

• Siena Historic Center

• Mangia Tower

• Basilica of San Domenico

• Baptistery of San Giovanni

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Siena.