Siena: Cathedral Complex Pass with Audio Guide (OPA SI PASS)

History

Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena), begun in the 12th century and completed in the 14th century, is a stunning example of Italian Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site within Siena’s historic center. Dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, it reflects Siena’s medieval prosperity and artistic legacy. The OPA SI PASS grants access to the cathedral and its complex, including the Piccolomini Library, built in 1492 to honor Pope Pius II, and the Baptistery of San Giovanni, known for its intricate Baptismal Font.

The complex also includes the Crypt, rediscovered after seven centuries, the Museo dell’Opera with Gothic sculptures, and the Facciatone viewpoint, offering panoramic views. These sites collectively showcase Siena’s Renaissance and medieval artistry, featuring works by Donatello, Michelangelo, and Pinturicchio, making the complex a cultural treasure.

Highlights

• Access Siena Cathedral’s mosaic marble floor and sculptures by Donatello and Michelangelo.
• Admire Pinturicchio’s vibrant frescoes in the Piccolomini Library.
• Explore the Baptistery’s Baptismal Font and the hidden Crypt.
• Visit the Museo dell’Opera for Gothic artworks and archaeological fragments.
• Enjoy panoramic views from the Facciatone viewpoint with a digital audio guide.

Full Description

The OPA SI PASS offers comprehensive access to Siena’s Cathedral Complex (excluding the rooftop) over three days, with a digital audio guide providing expert commentary on its history and art. Begin at the Duomo, marveling at its grand Gothic interior, intricate marble mosaic floor, and sculptures like Donatello’s The Feast of Herod and Michelangelo’s St. Paul. The audio guide, accessible via a QR code, enriches your self-guided exploration.

Discover the Baptistery of San Giovanni’s ornate Baptismal Font and the Crypt, hidden for over 700 years, revealing ancient frescoes. The Piccolomini Library dazzles with Pinturicchio’s frescoes depicting Pope Pius II’s life, while the Museo dell’Opera houses Gothic sculptures by Giovanni Pisano and paintings by the Lorenzetti brothers. The Oratory of San Bernardino showcases Sienese religious art from the 13th to 18th centuries.

Conclude at the Facciatone viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of Siena and the Tuscan countryside. The pass’s skip-the-ticket-line feature and wheelchair accessibility ensure a seamless, inclusive visit, perfect for immersing in Siena’s artistic and historical legacy.

Why Choose This Attraction?

The OPA SI PASS provides unparalleled access to Siena’s Cathedral Complex, showcasing Gothic and Renaissance masterpieces in a UNESCO setting. Ideal for art and history lovers, the pass covers multiple sites, from the cathedral’s mosaics to the Facciatone’s views, enhanced by an audio guide for deeper insights.

The three-day validity offers flexibility, and the skip-the-ticket-line feature saves time. Despite some reported audio guide issues, the pass’s affordability and comprehensive access make it a must for exploring Siena’s cultural heritage in a convenient, self-paced format.

What’s Included

• Entry to Siena Cathedral (Duomo).
• Entry to the Baptistery of San Giovanni.
• Entry to the Crypt.
• Entry to the Piccolomini Library.
• Entry to the Museo dell’Opera.
• Access to the Facciatone viewpoint.
• Entry to the Oratory of San Bernardino.
• Digital audio guide app (typically in English, Italian, and other languages).
• Booking fee.

Pricing

From $23 per person

Meeting Point

Exchange your voucher at the official ticket office at Cripta del Duomo di Siena, located at Piazza del Duomo. [Open in Google Maps]

How to Get There

• By train: From Florence, take a regional train to Siena (90 minutes); the cathedral is a 15-minute walk from Siena station.
• By bus: Bus lines 131 or 560 from Piazza Gramsci stop at Piazza del Duomo, a 2-minute walk to the ticket office.
• By car: Park at Parcheggio Il Campo or Parcheggio Santa Caterina, both a 5–10-minute walk to the cathedral.
• On foot: From Piazza del Campo, the cathedral is a 5-minute walk uphill via Via del Capitano.

Good to Know

What to Bring

• Passport or ID card for ticket redemption.
• Smartphone to access the digital audio guide via QR code.
• Headphones for the best audio guide experience.

Know Before You Go

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• The voucher must be used on the booked date but allows access to all sites over three days.
• Exchange your voucher at the Cripta del Duomo ticket office for entry and audio guide instructions.
• The last entry to the cathedral is 30 minutes before closing; check www.operaduomo.siena.it for hours.
• Opening times may vary due to liturgical activities.
• The complex is wheelchair accessible with barrier-free paths.
• Dress modestly: shoulders and knees should be covered in the cathedral.

Reviews

• Ticket was easy to collect, skipped the line, and could see each location as we pleased.
• It was a great experience, but I did download POP GUIDE and it didn’t work.
• It’s easy to get the ticket at the cathedral ticket office; there was no queue.