Panorama del Facciatone

Siena


For an unforgettable view of Siena's unique cityscape, head up the 131-step, narrow corkscrew stairway to walk atop the unfinished facade of the Duomo Nuovo (New Cathedral). Entrance is included in the Museo dell'Opera ticket and in both the OPA SI and Acropoli passes. The entrance is via the museum's upstairs floors.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Siena attractions

1. Museo dell'Opera

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The highlight of this repository of artworks that formerly adorned the duomo is undoubtedly Duccio (di Buoninsegna)'s striking Maestà (1308–11), which was…

2. Cripta

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Remarkably, this vaulted space under the duomo's pulpit was totally filled with debris in the late 1300s and was only excavated and restored in 1999…

3. Duomo

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Consecrated on the former site of a Roman temple in 1179 and constructed over the 13th and 14th centuries, Siena's majestic duomo (cathedral) showcases…

4. Battistero di San Giovanni

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The baptistry is lined with 15th-century frescoes and centres around a hexagonal marble font by Jacopo della Quercia, decorated with bronze panels…

5. Porta del Cielo

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To enjoy spectacular bird's-eye views of the interior and exterior of Siena's cathedral, buy a ticket for the 'Gate of Heaven' escorted tour up, into and…

6. Libreria Piccolomini

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Cardinal Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini, archbishop of Siena (later Pope Pius III), commissioned the building and decoration of this hall off the north…

8. Palazzo Chigi Saracini

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Few buildings have pedigrees as splendid as this 13th-century palace. Home of the Piccolomini family (of which Pope Pius II was the most prominent member)…