The Piccolomini Cathedral and Library

The first part of the Cathedral to be turned into a museum was the Piccolomini Library. This Library was set up in 1492 by Cardinal Francesco Piccolomini Todeschini to house the valuable books belonging to Pope Pius II. The library is decorated with frescoes by Pinturicchio (early sixteenth century) which show scenes from the life of Pope Pius II, who was born Enea Silvio Piccolomini. The library is home to some wonderful illuminated antiphonaries that date back to between the fifteenth and the sixteenth centuries.

The rest of the Cathedral was turned into a museum space several years ago. There is a ticket booth at the entrance on the left hand side of the façade. Once inside, visitors can admire the beautiful interior and the stunning architecture, as well as the various works of art which decorate the interior of the Cathedral. Some of the most interesting sights inside include the marble flooring, the pulpit by Niccolò Pisano, the statue of Saint John the Baptist by Donatello, the Piccolomini monument with some sculptures by a young Michelangelo and the Chigi di Bernini chapel.

Opening hours
1st March – 15th March: 10:30am-7:30pm
16th March – 30th August: 10:30am-8pm
1st September – 2nd November: 10:30am-7:30pm
3rd November – 28th February: 10:30am-6:30pm

Entry fee
€3,00

Disabled access
Yes

Contact information
piazza del Duomo
Siena
Telephone 0577-283048
E-mail operaduomo@operaduomo.siena.it