Audio Guide of Siena Facciatone

The Siena Facciatone is part of the Opera del Duomo Museum. It is generally open from 10:00 and closes between 17:00 and 19:00, depending on the season. I recommend checking the official website for exact hours before your visit.

Admission to the Siena Facciatone is not sold separately; it is included in the Opa Si Pass, which includes the Siena Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Crypt, the Opera del Duomo Museum, and the panorama from the Siena Facciatone. You can buy tickets online or at the Museum ticket office. The full pass costs around €20, but it is best to check the ticket page.

Although the climb can be a bit demanding, the visit to the Siena Facciatone itself, to enjoy the views, usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes. Allow a little more time if you want to take photographs or simply admire the panorama at a relaxed pace. Remember that it is included in the Museum route.

The Siena Facciatone is what remains of the facade of the 'New Cathedral,' an ambitious 14th-century project that aimed to turn Siena Cathedral into the largest religious building in Christendom. Although it was never completed because of the Black Death in 1348, today it offers a fascinating testimony to Siena's Gothic ambitions and one of the best views of the city.

To avoid the biggest crowds, I suggest going early in the morning just after opening, or late in the afternoon before closing. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) are the best times of year thanks to pleasant weather and fewer visitors than in the height of summer.

Unfortunately, access to the Siena Facciatone involves climbing many narrow steps and there is no lift, so it is not accessible for people with reduced mobility or wheelchair users. The rest of the Cathedral complex does offer some facilities, but the Siena Facciatone is physically challenging.

Once you have enjoyed the Siena Facciatone, you are in the heart of Siena. Do not miss Siena Cathedral, the Opera del Duomo Museum, which houses original masterpieces, the Palazzo Pubblico, and Piazza del Campo, all just a few steps away. Siena is an open-air museum.

My advice is to wear comfortable shoes for climbing the steps, and if you are afraid of heights, be prepared, although the views are worth it. Do not forget your camera to capture the panoramas. And one last tip: if you plan to visit several sites, consider buying the Opa Si Pass online to save time and money.