Facciatone

Make the most of your time at the Siena Duomo with an inclusive ticket allowing you to access all areas excluding the rooftop. Discover the history of the complex as you listen to informative commentary on the included audio guide. Enter the Duomo and admire its grand scale as you stroll along its mosaic marble floor. Admire sculptures such as The Feast of Herod by Donatello and St. Paul by Michaelangelo among other artworks which are dotted around the cathedral. Visit the Baptistery of San Giovanni within the Duomo to marvel at the splendid Baptismal Font. From here, head down into the Crypt, the underground quarters that remained hidden for more than seven centuries. Then, stroll through the Piccolomini Library and gaze up at the vibrant and colorful frescoes which adorn its walls. Admire the stunning work by Pinturicchio, which depicts ten episodes from the life of Pope Pius II. Access the Museo dell'Opera which houses a selection of archaeological fragments and artwork once part of the cathedral. See a variety of Gothic sculptures by Giovanni Pisano and paintings by Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti. Head into the Oratory of San Bernardino to admire the collection of the Diocesan Museum of Religious Art, with its core at the upper oratory chapel. Discover a variety of Siennese paintings from between the 13th to the 18th century. Finish up your visit to the complex with a climb up to the Facciatone viewpoint. Be enchanted by the unforgettable view over the city of Siena and the beautiful rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside.                                                                                            

Take a captivating journey through Siena on a guided walking tour with skip-the-line access to the Cathedral Complex. Your adventure begins in the heart of Siena Center, where you'll meet your knowledgeable guide and a small group of fellow explorers. Wander through the labyrinthine streets and charming squares of medieval Siena, soaking in the tranquility of its tucked-away corners. Immerse yourself in Siena's rich history as your guide regales you with tales of the famed Palio horse race and unveils the secrets of the Old Ghetto and Tower District. Ascend to breathtaking vantage points for panoramic vistas, capturing glimpses of the iconic Duomo and Torre del Mangia. En route to the majestic Piazza Del Campo, marvel at the architectural highlights that dot Siena's skyline, including the renowned Duomo. Discover the fascinating origins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, shaped by the enlightened governance of the 14th century. As you meander through Siena's distinct Contrada, each representing a unique neighborhood steeped in tradition, envision the spirited rivalry that ignites during the Palio. Delve into the authentic ambiance of these vibrant communities and savor the opportunity to sample local delicacies like Ricciarelli and Panforte. Pause to admire the ornate Fonte Gaia fountain in Piazza del Campo, adorned with intricate reliefs depicting biblical scenes. Then, with our pre-arranged tickets, breeze past the queues and enter the awe-inspiring Cathedral. Traverse its hallowed halls adorned with masterpieces by Tuscan luminaries such as Duccio, Pisano, and Pinturicchio. The Cathedral houses many Renaissance highlights and the famous Piccolomini Library. Opt for an extended tour with OPA SI Pass to delve deeper into the Cathedral's treasures, including the captivating Crypt adorned with centuries-old frescoes. Learn from your guide about the ambitious vision behind the Duomo Nuovo and explore the Museo dell’Opera, home to exquisite sculptures and stained glass windows. Bid farewell to your guide and seize the opportunity to ascend the Facciatone, the unfinished façade of the New Cathedral, at your own pace. From this lofty vantage point, soak in the panoramic vistas of Siena and its picturesque countryside, concluding your journey on a truly unforgettable note.

The main attractions, the most important monuments, the curiosities, the legends, the places frequented by the locals, the best restaurants, the typical dishes, and the anecdotes of people who have always lived in the city. These are the elements I would like to find in a tour when I travel and that is exactly what you will find inside this digital tour! What will you need for this tour: - Smartphone - Internet connection - Some energy! You will walk about 4 km but it is feasible regardless of athletic training (so the tour must be done moving through the streets of Siena and not just by phone). You can start the tour at any time: once purchased you will receive link and password to start your experience! Everything is going to be into GetYourGuide Voucher so read all the info!  Once purchased, the tour can be used for the duration of the booked day + 2 extra days so: no rush at all! During the tour, you can freely enter the monuments (entrance fees are not included) and spend as much time as you like on the various visits! Unlike standard tours where you have to run after a guide, the beauty of this experience is that you can decide whether to relax, read historical insights, or spend more time on food or views! The experience is totally in your hands!

BusVia Firenze invites you to explore the true essence of Tuscany, blending art, history, and the pleasures of wine and food. We will lead you to San Gimignano, also known as the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages" due to its numerous towers punctuating the skyline. San Gimignano has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and as you wander through this marvelously preserved city, you'll understand why – it's like taking a step back in time! There you have the special chance to taste three samples of Tuscan wines, included a light lunch within the walled city of San Gimignano. The journey continues through the Tuscan countryside to Siena, where your experience begins with a visit to this charming town, renowned to be a famous example of Gothic art. You'll wander through the narrow streets of the city's 17 historic districts, known as "Contrade", each with its distinct identity, emblem, and history, as well as its own traditions. Take a leisurely stroll in Piazza del Campo, the renowned setting for the Palio di Siena horse race. The breathtaking Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Duomo di Siena, is the other main attraction of this city. Its façade is impressive, but the real magic lies within. Natural light illuminates masterpieces by Michelangelo and Donatello, and many others Sienese artists. You can enter in this masterpiece of Italian art with our skip-the-line ticket, included in our price! Highlights - A professional, multilingual Tour Leader will accompany you throughout the day. - Wine tasting with light lunch in a restaurant within the walled city of San Gimignano. - Skip-the-line ticket for magnificent Cathedral of Siena - Free Time: Enjoy leisure time in both Siena and San Gimignano to explore on your own.

Stories tell that it was erected by the sons of Remus, Seno and Aschio, to whom we owe the symbol of the Capitoline wolf on the streets throughout the city. The main foundation of Siena's history, customs and popular traditions is the Palio, a horse race that takes place in the city twice a year, an event of great importance to the Sienese, who divide their supporters into contrade (districts) rich in legends, fervour and ancient symbols rooted in popular tradition. The main attractions of the historical centre that our guide will show you during the tour will start from the splendid Piazza del Campo, with its characteristic shell shape, surrounded by monuments such as the majestic Palazzo Pubblico, the Torre del Mangia and the Fonte Gaia, a model of Renaissance sculpture. No less important, strolling through the alleyways of the centre, you will reach one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy, the Duomo di Siena, Gothic in style, for which white marble, green serpentine marble from Prato and red Sienese marble were used. There are also alleys, narrow streets, ancient palaces, artisan shops, wineries and the many shops of the typical sweets of Siena: panforte, ricciarelli, cavallucci.

Learn about the unique history of Sienna on a walking tour of the medieval old town with an informative guide. Get to know the different "contrade" or districts that make up the city and hear how they date back to medieval times. Stroll through the Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio horse race takes place every year on July 2nd and August 14th, featuring a contestant from each of the contrade. Visualize the colorful banners and crests of the competing contrade and learn how the competition has defined civic life in the city for centuries. Hear stories about the life and culture of the city from locals and visit the Museum of the Contrada for a more official account. Then head to the Duomo of Siena and check out the characteristic black and white marble interior of the cathedral designed to symbolize the black and white horses of the city's founders. Afterwards, switch gears and enjoy a local tasting experience at a traditional cafe. Try Panforte, Ricciarelli, and Cavallucci, typical sweets famous around the world. Wash them down with a glass of Vin Santo del Chianti.

The starting point is Salimbeni Palace, the oldest bank in the world in continuous operation. The 14th-century fortress-like elements, characteristic of Sienese medieval palaces due to constant conflicts, on its 19th-century Neo-Gothic façade offer a glimpse into Siena’s turbulent past. Next, stop by the serene Sanctuary House of Saint Catherine, the birthplace of an exceptional laywoman who influenced the history of the Roman Catholic Church. The former residence gives you an idea of life in Siena in medieval times and a perfect viewpoint to marvel at the imposing Basilica San Domenico, perching on a higher part nearby. Just a stone’s throw away is the beautiful pristine Gothic Fontebranda, Siena’s largest and oldest fountain. The sophisticated 11th-century hydraulic system that reused “clean sewage” for dyeing fabric and by the mills outside the city walls is a testimony to the ingenuity of Sienese in the face of the arid climate. Continue to marvel at the Gothic gem of Siena Cathedral. Its magnificent façade made from white and greenish-black marble, Siena’s symbolic colors, was the work of the great medieval architect Giovanni Pisano. To its right, you can find Facciatone, the large incomplete façade of a new cathedral that was never finished due to a devastating 14th-century plague. Next, pass by Siena’s symbol of trading, the Loggia of Merchandise. Located at the bustling junction of the three main streets, the main trading venue of the medieval city is also the most outstanding example of the Sienese architectural transition from Medieval to Renaissance, boasting exquisite ceiling frescoes and intricately carved columns. Proceed to visit the charming Camp Square. The magnificent square has earned the title of “One of Europe's greatest medieval squares” with its significant historic monuments, such as the emblematic Tower of Eater, the Square Chapel, and the Joyous Fountain, and the famous twice-a-year horse race, Palio di Siena. What also stands out is the one-of-a-kind shape of the square: It is divided into 9 sections, creating a shell-like appearance pointing directly to the Public Palace, the seat of the City Council and also the Civic Museum. Sneaking into its beautiful Italian Gothic courtyard, you can examine ornate coats of arms of families who served on the Council of Nine, the founders of the 13th-century palace. From here, you can finish the tour on your way by either admiring numerous world-class frescoes and paintings in the museum, conquering the Tower of Eater of the palace for splendid views over the city, or just simply going back to the square and enjoying its delicious gelato.