Siena Icons: Cathedral, Piccolomini Library and Papesse Palace Pass

The Siena Icons Pass offers you a convenient way to explore the city's most stunning attractions over three days. With this pass, you can visit the breathtaking Siena Cathedral, the vibrant Piccolomini Library, and the historic Palazzo delle Papesse. Whether you're a history buff or an art lover, this pass is your ticket to experiencing the best of Siena.

Getting Started

Once you have your Siena Icons Pass, you can head straight into these iconic landmarks. The pass is valid for three days, giving you ample time to explore each site without feeling rushed.

What to Expect

Siena Cathedral

Siena Cathedral is one of Italy's most important Romanesque-Gothic churches. Its exterior is a masterpiece of black-and-white marble stripes, while the interior boasts a stunning blue cobalt ceiling and vibrant murals.

Piccolomini Library

Located within the cathedral complex, the Piccolomini Library is a must-visit for its breathtaking frescoes. These artworks represent significant stages of Pope Pius II's life, offering a glimpse into Siena's rich history.

Palazzo delle Papesse

This Renaissance palace, built between 1460 and 1495, is a testament to the city's architectural heritage. It offers panoramic views of Siena from its rooftop terrace and features a courtyard with frescoed loggias.

Features

Siena Cathedral

• Marvel at the Gothic architecture with its iconic black-and-white striped marble facade.

• Admire the intricate mosaic floors, considered among Italy’s finest, and frescoes by masters like Donatello and Michelangelo.

• Visit the Panorama del Facciatone for stunning views of Siena and the Tuscan countryside.

• Explore masterpieces like Nicola Pisano’s carved pulpit and Bernini’s sculptures in the chapels.

Piccolomini Library

• Step into a vibrant world of frescoes depicting the life of Pope Pius II, painted by Pinturicchio.

• Admire illuminated manuscripts and intricate artwork that showcase Renaissance craftsmanship.

• Enjoy the library’s harmonious blend of art and history within the cathedral complex.

Palazzo delle Papesse

• Discover Renaissance architecture in this 15th-century palace built for Pope Pius II’s sister.

• Explore its courtyard featuring frescoed loggias and unique design elements.

• Take in panoramic views of Siena from its rooftop terrace for a memorable experience.

Siena Icons: Cathedral, Piccolomini Library and Papesse Palace Pass

Discover Siena's iconic landmarks on this sightseeing tour that includes the Siena Cathedral, Piccolomini Library, Palazzo delle Papesse, and more. Valid for 3 days with audio guides in multiple languages, this pass allows you to explore at your own pace. The cathedral, built between 1259 and 1482, features intricate marble work and stunning stained glass windows, while the Piccolomini Library houses frescoes by Pinturicchio dating back to 1503. Palazzo delle Papesse, a Renaissance palace from the 15th century, offers elegant architecture and frescoed loggias. This tour covers over 20 key attractions in Siena, providing you with insights into the city's rich history through detailed audio guides available in English, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian. With this pass, you can spend up to three hours at each location, making it perfect for those interested in art, architecture, and cultural heritage.

Explore Siena Cathedral

Your tour stops at the Siena Cathedral where guests can marvel at its Gothic masterpiece architecture, built between 1259 and 1482. The cathedral spans over 60 meters long and 36 meters wide with a height of approximately 45 meters. Visitors will see the intricate marble work, mosaic floors from the 13th century, and stunning stained glass windows dating back to the 14th century. The Piccolomini Library inside the cathedral features frescoes by Pinturicchio completed in 1503, showcasing Renaissance art at its finest. This landmark serves as one of Italy's most important religious buildings due to its historical significance and architectural beauty. Visitors typically spend about an hour exploring the cathedral, taking time to appreciate each detail. Unlike other cathedrals, Siena Cathedral is unique for its detailed marble inlay work known as "pavimentum" that covers nearly 10,000 square feet of floor space. It matters to the tour because it provides a comprehensive understanding of medieval and Renaissance artistry.

Discover Piccolomini Library

Your tour continues at the Piccolomini Library where guests can explore its stunning frescoes by Pinturicchio, completed in 1503. Located inside Siena Cathedral, this library spans approximately 20 meters long and 8 meters wide with intricate marble-inlay floors throughout. Visitors will see over 40 scenes depicting the life of Cardinal Francesco Piccolomini, who later became Pope Pius III. The library is unique for its detailed frescoes and Renaissance artistry that bring historical events to life through vivid imagery. Unlike other libraries, this one stands out due to its rich history and artistic significance within Siena Cathedral. It matters to the tour because it offers a deeper insight into the cultural heritage of Siena.

Experience Palazzo delle Papesse

Your tour concludes at the Palazzo delle Papesse, a 15th-century Renaissance palace featuring elegant architecture and frescoed loggias. Originally built in 1470 as a residence for Pope Pius III's brother Cardinal Francesco Piccolomini, this palace spans over 6,000 square meters with intricate frescoes covering its walls and ceilings. Visitors can spend up to two hours exploring the palace’s grand halls, loggias, and art collections that showcase Renaissance paintings and sculptures. Unlike other palaces in Siena, Palazzo delle Papesse stands out for its historical significance and architectural beauty. It matters to the tour because it provides a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Renaissance era.

Tour Highlights

• Explore top attractions with 3-day pass
• Audio guide in English, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian
• Marvel at Siena Cathedral's Gothic architecture and stained glass windows
• Discover Piccolomini Library’s Renaissance frescoes by Pinturicchio
• Experience Palazzo delle Papesse’s elegant Renaissance palace architecture
• Spend up to three hours at each location for a thorough exploration
• Access includes detailed audio guides with historical insights
• Convenient pass allows flexible sightseeing throughout Siena

Perfect for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and culture seekers, this guided tour provides an in-depth look into Siena's cultural heritage. The 3-day format allows you to explore the Siena Cathedral, Piccolomini Library, Palazzo delle Papesse, and other landmarks at your own pace, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Siena’s rich history and artistry.