Piccolomini Library

Benefit from fast-track entry to Siena Cathedral and admire its stunning interior artwork and architecture. Walk along the cathedral's ornate marble mosaic floor, and visit the Piccolomini Library, known for its collection of vibrant frescoes. Skip the line and enter the cathedral to explore one of the foremost masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture in Italy. Marvel at elaborate altarpieces, a sculpture by Michelangelo, and all manner of ornate decorations scattered throughout its vast interior. Enter the Piccolomini Library, which contains a sprawling series of 10 frescoes by Pinturicchio chronicling the life of Pope Pius II. Gaze upwards at the domed ceiling, masterfully adorned with complex patterns and further scenes from the pope’s life. During your visit, listen to an official audio guide to learn about Siena Cathedral and its history and art. The audio guide is accessed by scanning a QR code on your cellphone on the day of your visit.

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.

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.

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!

Discover, in a 2-hour private tour, one of the Siena’s most iconic historic buildings, and World Heritage Site, the Duomo Cathedral. An expert local guide will illuminate the most important historical and artistic events that led to the creation and decoration of this architectural gem. You’ll be able to skip the ticket office queue, so you can get straight into discovering the Duomo’s interior.  After an introduction about the extraordinary facade decorated with statues depicting philosophers, prophets and sibyls that seem to talk to each other, you will go inside to discover the interio: Cappella del Voto, designed and decorated by Bernini during the 17th century, the high altar, the beautiful inlaid marble mosaic floor, of which many parts can be seen, the pulpit created by Nicola Pisano, the Chapel of St John the Baptist (Cappella di San Giovanni) which has a beautiful statue of the Saint himself, created by Donatello in the 15th century, the marvellous Piccolomini's Library, and some of Michelangelo's statues.

Discover the many wonders of the Tuscany region on a full-day tour from Florence. Thanks to private car transfers direct from your accommodation and a Licensed Guide you can discover the highlights of Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano in a day. If you wish, we can even take you to Chianti vineyards. Book an exclusive tour of Tuscany! Book a 11-hour trip to visit Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano. Private transfers include pickup and drop-off at your accommodation, so you can enjoy the comfort of a private car, van or bus for the entire tour. Upon arrival in Pisa, your Private Guide will show you Pisa Cathedral and its Leaning Tower, which is one of the most photographed landmarks of Italy. You will learn why it's leaning and discover other interesting things about this charming city, such as its several medieval palaces, churches and bridges. After sightseeing in Pisa you will head to Siena, home to the world’s oldest bank. You will explore the shell-shaped central square, Piazza del Campo with Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia, and visit Siena Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque–Gothic architecture. With skip-the-line tickets to the Cathedral you can avoid waiting in long lines and spend more time admiring the elaborate church with its stunning pulpit and the Piccolomini Library. Another highlight of this tour will be a stop in San Gimignano, the Town of Fine Towers. This world heritage city with its unforgettable skyline is a must-see for every fan of medieval adventure. Choose a 12-hour tour to enhance your full-day tour with a wine tasting in a traditional cantina or restaurant in the beautiful setting of lush Chianti vineyards. Tuscany is one of the most famous and prolific wine regions anywhere in Europe, so it will be a great opportunity to taste original Chianti wines. Learn about the old wine-making tradition, do souvenir shopping at a family wine shop and enjoy the romantic scenery of Chianti.

The guided tour of Siena will immerse you in the typical medieval town built by the Medici family. One of the best known buildings is the historic Palazzo Salimbeni which houses the headquarters of the Banca dei Paschi di Siena, one of the oldest in Europe. Walking through the characteristic alleys that have made the historic center a World Heritage Site, you can see spectacular views of the Piazza del Campo square. Unique of its kind for its original 9-segment shell shape, it is considered one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe and every two times a year the famous Palio challenge is held, the ancient competition between the Contrade (districts of the town). ). The whole square is surrounded by restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops but also important buildings including the Palazzo Comunale with the Torre del Mangia tower that rises over the whole square offering a unique panorama, the Palazzo Chigi-Condari, the Loggia della Mercanzia and in the highest part of the square the Fonte Gaia, the most beautiful of the Sienese water sources. The tour continues up the alleys where it is easy to see food and wine shops selling local delicacies such as wild boar salami, pecorino cheese, honey and wines such as Chianti, Montalcino and Montepulciano. The guided walking tour continues with a visit to the Baptistery, an imposing structure adjacent to the Cathedral that is a real jewel and ends with a visit to the Cathedral, whose majesty of black and white marble on the facade introduces us to the most important religious building in Siena.

A day trip from Rome to Siena and San Gimignano offers a wonderful opportunity to explore two charming medieval towns in the heart of Tuscany. Here's a suggested itinerary for your day trip, including pick-up and drop-off at your Rome hotel, with an English-speaking driver and a deluxe vehicle: Your English-speaking driver will pick you up from your hotel in Rome in a deluxe vehicle equipped for your comfort. Departure from Rome to Siena typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, so an early start is recommended. Enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful countryside of Tuscany en route to Siena. Your driver can provide commentary on the history and landmarks of the region as you travel. Upon arrival in Siena, your driver will drop you off near the historic center of the city. Spend the morning exploring this medieval gem, known for its well-preserved architecture, bustling piazzas, and rich cultural heritage. Consider arranging a guided tour of Siena with a local expert to delve deeper into the city's history and landmarks. Highlights may include the Piazza del Campo, the Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena), and the Palazzo Pubblico. After the guided tour (if opted for) or if you prefer to explore independently, take some time to wander through Siena's winding streets, discover hidden corners, and perhaps indulge in some shopping for local handicrafts. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of Siena's traditional trattorias or cafes, savoring Tuscan cuisine and local specialties. In the early afternoon, depart from Siena and make your way to San Gimignano, a picturesque hilltop town famous for its medieval towers and well-preserved historic center. Upon arrival in San Gimignano, spend the afternoon exploring the town's narrow streets, admiring its iconic towers, and soaking up its medieval atmosphere. Don't miss the opportunity to sample gelato from one of the local gelaterias, known for their delicious flavors. In the afternoon, meet your driver at a prearranged location for your return journey to Rome. Arrive back in Rome in the evening, where your driver will drop you off at your hotel, concluding your day trip.

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.