Frequently asked questions
What is the Porta del Cielo?
It is the escorted walk through the roof spaces of Siena Cathedral. You walk above the starry vaults and look down into the striped nave and out over the city. The walk lasts about 30 minutes and cathedral staff go with every group.
How many people go on each walk?
18. The cathedral runs walks every half hour through the day, so popular times fill early. On 1 October the 9:30 and 10:00 walks for 4 October were already gone.
What does the roof ticket include besides the walk?
The Cathedral, the Piccolomini Library, the Museo dell'Opera with the panorama from the unfinished façade, the Crypt and the Baptistery. It is valid for three consecutive days and comes with a free smartphone audio guide.
Where do we meet, and how early?
At the Cathedral's main entrance on Piazza del Duomo, in the priority queue, at least 20 minutes before your walk. The cathedral gives no refund for the roof walk if you arrive late at the meeting point.
Is there a minimum age?
The cathedral sets none. Children aged 7 to 11 have their own fare, and children up to 6 go free, added to your booking at no charge. The cathedral asks you to hold young children by the hand throughout.
Can I bring a backpack?
No. Backpacks and large or bulky bags are not admitted on the walk, and the complex has no left-luggage point. Bring only what fits in a pocket or a small bag.
Is the walk suitable if I am nervous of heights?
Probably not. The cathedral does not recommend it for people with vertigo or heart conditions, or anyone not fit to climb to raised places. The cathedral complex pass gives you the nave, library and museum without the climb.
Is the roof walk wheelchair accessible?
No. You go up and down by a winding staircase. The Cathedral itself has a ramp on its left side, but the Museum, Crypt and Baptistery have no step-free access.
What should I wear?
Closed shoes with non-slip soles. High heels can be refused, and the cathedral advises against sandals, flip-flops, clogs and smooth leather soles. Keep cameras and phones on a strap.
When is the cathedral floor uncovered in 2026?
From 27 June to 31 July and from 18 August to 15 November 2026. Outside those windows most of the 56 marble panels are under protective covering.
Is the roof walk open all year?
No. It runs from 1 March to 6 January and follows the Cathedral's hours. It is closed from 7 January to the end of February.
What time does the cathedral open on Sundays?
From 13:30 most of the year, because of Mass. While the floor is uncovered, Mass moves to Santissima Annunziata and the Cathedral opens on Sundays from 9:30.
Can I visit the rest of the complex on another day?
Yes. Both tickets stay valid for three consecutive days. On the cathedral complex pass, the time you choose is your entry into the Cathedral and should be kept; the other sites can follow.
What is the difference between the two tickets?
The roof ticket adds the 30-minute Porta del Cielo walk to everything in the cathedral complex pass. If you skip the roof, the complex pass covers the Cathedral, library, museum, crypt and baptistery.
How do I get to Siena from Florence?
The 131R rapid bus takes about an hour and a quarter to Piazza Gramsci. Regional trains from Santa Maria Novella take roughly an hour and a half to two hours, and escalators climb from the station to the old city.
Who are you?
Porta del Cielo Tickets is an independent booking service. We are not the cathedral or its ticketing partner. We buy the official ticket for the date and time you choose and send your e-ticket by email.
How do I receive my ticket?
Your e-ticket arrives by email once we have booked your time. Show it on your phone at the meeting point; you do not need to print it.