Siena Cathedral & Piccolomini Library Tickets with Audio Guide

A Tuscan marvel

The Siena Cathedral, located in Siena, Tuscany, is a magnificent Duomo that showcases some of the most important aspects of the European artistic and architectural gamut. It has grown in popularity over the years, drawing more than a million visitors each year. Head into one of the finest cathedrals in the whole of Christendom! Uncover treasure chests containing art by Michelangelo, Donatello, Nicola Pisano, and Bernini.

A literary masterpiece

Nestled within the grand Siena Cathedral, the Piccolomini Library is a treasure trove of Renaissance art. Let the stunning frescoes guide your journey through history. Allow your audio guide to be your compass as you learn all about the life of Pope Pius II, depicted by Pinturicchio's frescoes.

Renaissance splendor

Next, visit the Baptistry of San Giovanni, where the splendid Baptismal Font will catch your eye. Wind further down to explore the eerie Crypt, where a grandiose cycle of frescoes dating back to the 13th century will make your acquaintance. At Museo dell'Opera, discover the works of Italian artists, including Duccio di Buoninsegna's Maestà. Wind up your experience by climbing to the terrace atop the unfinished façade of the new cathedral, where you can witness unaltered views of the city and the Tuscan countryside!

Siena Cathedral & Piccolomini Library Tickets with Audio Guide

Discover the Siena Cathedral, a stunning Gothic masterpiece nestled in Tuscany's heart, on this comprehensive sightseeing tour that includes access to the Piccolomini Library and the Museo dell'Opera. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and covers key landmarks such as the Siena Cathedral, Piccolomini Library, Baptistry of San Giovanni, and Duccio di Buoninsegna's Maestà in the Museo dell'Opera. With an audio guide available in multiple languages including English, Italian, German, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, visitors can explore these sites at their own pace while enjoying full access for up to 3 hours. The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all ages.

Explore Siena Cathedral

Your tour stops at the Siena Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic structure built between 1284 and 1503. Spanning an impressive 176 feet in length and 98 feet wide, it features intricate marble inlays known as opere della pietra, including the famous pulpit by Nicola Pisano from 1265-1268. Visitors can marvel at the Piccolomini Library upstairs, adorned with frescoes by Pinturicchio dating back to 1499 that depict scenes from Pope Pius II's life. The cathedral also houses the stunning Baptismal Font designed by Donatello in 1425 and completed by Jacopo della Quercia in 1430, featuring bronze relief panels with biblical themes. This site is unique compared to other Italian cathedrals due to its exceptional collection of Renaissance art and architecture. The Siena Cathedral matters greatly as it stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and artistic achievements.

Discover Piccolomini Library

The tour continues at the Piccolomini Library, an architectural marvel located within the Siena Cathedral. Built between 1492 and 1508 by Pope Pius II to house his personal library, this room features exquisite frescoes painted by Bernardino di Betto Pinturicchio in 1499 that illustrate key moments from the pope’s life. The library's floors are made of intricate marble inlays, while its walls are covered with frescoes depicting biblical scenes and allegorical figures. Visitors can spend about 30 minutes exploring this space and learning more through an insightful audio guide available in multiple languages. What sets the Piccolomini Library apart is its detailed frescoes that include hidden symbols and clever visual puns.

Visit Museo dell'Opera

Your tour concludes at the Museo dell'Opera, a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing Italian masterpieces related to Siena Cathedral. Opened in 1946, it houses important artworks like Duccio di Buoninsegna’s Maestà from 1308-1311, which features intricate scenes from the life of Christ and other biblical figures. The museum also displays sculptures by Giovanni Pisano and Jacopo della Quercia, along with numerous paintings and artifacts that tell the story of Siena's artistic development during the Renaissance period. This museum is unique because it offers a comprehensive overview of the cathedral’s history and artistry, making it essential for understanding the cultural significance of the site.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Siena Cathedral with audio guide
• Access Piccolomini Library in 2 hours
• Listen to multi-language audio guides (English, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese)
• Discover Duccio di Buoninsegna’s Maestà at Museo dell'Opera
• Admire Pinturicchio's frescoes from 1499 in Piccolomini Library
• Visit the Baptistry of San Giovanni with Donatello's bronze font
• Enjoy full access to Siena Cathedral and its treasures for up to 3 hours
• Tour includes wheelchair accessible routes throughout major sites

Perfect for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and architecture buffs, this guided tour provides an in-depth look at some of Tuscany’s most significant historical landmarks. The two-hour format allows you to explore the Siena Cathedral's opere della pietra, admire Pinturicchio's frescoes in Piccolomini Library, and study Duccio di Buoninsegna’s Maestà at Museo dell'Opera, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Siena's rich cultural heritage.