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Piccolomini Library

Piccolomini Library: Our most recommended tours and activities

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

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

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.                                                                                            

Siena: Siena Cathedral and Piccolomini Library Entry Ticket

2. Siena: Siena Cathedral and Piccolomini Library Entry Ticket

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.

Siena: Duomo di Siena Private Guided Tour

3. Siena: Duomo di Siena Private Guided Tour

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.

From Livorno: Siena and San Gimignano Guided Day Trip

4. From Livorno: Siena and San Gimignano Guided Day Trip

This Tuscany private tour has been carefully designed to optimise your time in Siena and San Gimignano, including private transfers to and from the port. You’ll be amazed by how much you can experience in the course of a single day, discovering the rich history of these spectacular towns at a pace that suits you. San Gimignano is one of the prettiest towns in Tuscany - a charming walled medieval town perched on top of a hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You’ll have plenty of time to explore San Gimignano on your cruise excursion, wandering through the narrow alleyways and getting a taste of local life in its piazzas. On your visit to the church of the Collegiata, you’ll see some striking 12th century frescoes, including Taddeo di Bartolo’s Last Judgement - a terrifying vision of hell. Your expert guide will also show you other works by Tuscan artists, such as The Creation of the World by Bartolo di Fredi, and the Life of Santa Fina by the Renaissance painter Ghirlandaio, enriching your appreciation of the art by explaining their historical context and pointing out intriguing details you might otherwise miss. A walk through the historic town centre takes us to the ancient fortress of San Gimignano, known as the Rocca. Your private tour of San Gimignano will end with a climb up the tower, admiring the spectacular views of the town and the beyond. Our next stop is the medieval city of Siena. where you’ll explore the atmospheric back streets and grand piazzas of Siena, you’ll learn all about the city’s rich history, and understand why it’s been enchanting its visitors for centuries. The most famous of Siena’s squares is the magnificent Piazza del Campo. You’ll stroll through the piazza, admiring its architecture while learning about the politics and commerce of the medieval city with your personal guide. From Piazza del Campo, it’s a short walk to another famous square in Siena, the Piazza del Duomo. The piazza is dominated by the imposing 13th century cathedral, which has a striking facade of black and white marble. On your visit to Siena you’ll learn all about the history, myths and legends of this remarkable place, and discover why black and white are the traditional colours of the city. The Duomo of Siena has an astonishing array of masterpieces, from a statue by the young Michelangelo to a bronze sculpture of St John the Baptist by Donatello. You’ll also see works by Bernini, and various masterpieces of medieval and Renaissance art. The vibrant frescoes of the Piccolomini Library are a highlight, with a ceiling to rival the Sistine Chapel. Your journey to Siena will end with a short walk to the Basilica of San Domenico, which sits on top of the hill. where you’ll enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the countryside - the perfect end to a memorable day in Tuscany.

Other Sightseeing Options in Piccolomini Library

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What people are saying about Piccolomini Library

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 1,508 reviews

Really beautiful! You have to see, one of the best monuments in Italien. But it was tricky to exchange the tickets. Maybe a better description would help.

The Cathedral is amazing. Fortunately it wasn’t too crowded so we were able to take our time and enjoy it.

Siena is a beautiful place,wish I had more time on my hands but we’ll worth another visit❤️

Our group enjoyed our beautiful experience in the Siena Cathedral. Breathtaking. ♥️

A place worth to visit. A view point is a breathtaking experience.