Baptistery of St John

See notable features of the Duomo of Siena with the OPA SI fast-track entry pass. In addition to discovering the Cathedral of Siena, visit the Baptistery, the Crypt, the Piccolomini Library, and the adjacent Museo dell'Opera, Oratory, and Facciatone viewpoint with one convenient ticket. Enter the Duomo and be amazed by its grand scale as you stroll along its stunning mosaic marble floor. Admire sculptures such as The Feast of Herod by Donatello and St. Paul by Michaelangelo, amongst many 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.                                                                                                                                        

Explore the top sights in Siena with an interactive smartphone tour. Stroll through the city solving location-based riddles on this walking tour. See the rose window and elaborate façade of Siena Cathedral and view the facinating architecture in Piazza del Duomo. Solve puzzles outside of ten Siena attractions. Follow clues at each attraction to find your next destination. Enjoy the challenge of using logic, imagination, observation, and team spirit to complete the game. Feel the satisfaction of solving each riddle. Have the freedom to pause or resume the tour whenever you want. Admire the city at your own pace. Uncover interesting information and facts about the city. Snap as many pictures as you want. You can start the activity any time, the schedule is indicative. You will visit: Duomo di Siena - starting point Baptistery of St John Palazzo Piccolomini Loggia del Papa Tower of Mangia Pubblico Palace Pinacoteca Nazionale di Siena Santa Maria della Scala Facciatone Piazza del Campo - ending point and more

Begin with the Basilica of San Domenico, exploring this extraordinary chapel dedicated to the saint on the right side of the nave. Your tour continues to the suggested birthplace of St. Catherine, which became a sanctuary in 1464 shortly after her canonization. The sanctuary consists of three oratories with decorations of different periods, ranging from the Renaissance to the Baroque to the Sienese Purism. These oratories allow you to understand the intense mystical and diplomatic life of St. Catherine. From the house of St. Catherine, descend towards Fontebranda, one of the oldest and most important medieval fountains whose water was used by the dyers. The district of Fontebranda was in fact inhabited by many dyers who had their houses, laboratories, and warehouses for dyeing cloth in this area. Among them was Catherine’s father, Jacopo Benincasa. From the fountain, decide whether to take the escalators that lead near the Duomo or walk along the Via del Costone, which offers wonderful panoramic views. Catherine used to walk this way to reach the cathedral and the hospital, and it was there that according to legend she had her first mystical vision as a small girl. You then reach Piazza San Giovanni, where the baptistery is located. It was rebuilt there as a sort of second façade of the cathedral during Catherine’s ages, who received the sacrament of Baptism there. Going up the steps of the Baptistery you reach the Duomo, in front of which the imposing building of the Hospital Santa Maria della Scala stands. In this place, Catherine used to offer her help to the sick and poor people of the city. Inside you will visit the Oratory where Catherine rested and prayed after having dedicated herself to works of charity.