The guided tour to the attic of Siena’s Cathedral was an opportunity offered to tourists and locals last year for the first time in history: after a long period of restoration, these secret spaces were revealed to small groups led by an expert and authorized tourist guide. For the ones of you who did not have the chance to live this spectacular experience, the tours will start again from March 1st, 2014 till January 6th, 2015. A steep and hidden travertine staircase brings visitors to the rooftop, above the starry vaults of the Gothic church. An impressive walk where at every step the gaze is fascinated by breathtaking views into the cathedral and over the roofs of Siena.
In case you wish to visit the Gate of Heaven book your guided tour in good time if you plan to be in Siena in the next months. In Spring and Summer Siena bursts with visitors, thus we recommend to plan your trip quite in advance! Remember that the access to the Gate of Heaven is possibile only with guided tour, that must be always booked some days before the visit. Reservations can be made by telephone +39 0577 286300, Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, or via email to opasiena@operalaboratori.com, price 25€ per person the sinlge visit. The combined ticket Opa SI PASS PLUS includes the visits to the Cathedral, all the museums of the Cathedral complex and the Gate of Heaven for 30€ per person.
The access to the Gate of Heaven is permitted only to guided tours accompanied by an authorised guide: when we wente there, our group was made up of 12 people and our nice and expert guide, during the first part of the visit led us to and illustrated the marvellous intarsia marble floor and the masterpieces of Italy’s most famous artists that make the Cathedral a real treasure chest (from Nicola Pisano’s pulpit, to the sculptures of Michelangelo, from the Pinturicchio‘s frescoes, probably based on the designs made by Raphael, in the Piccolomini library, to the John the Baptist by Donatello, to the Chigi Chapel designed by Bernini), while in the second part accompanied us to the attic, where she provided detailed information about the techniques of construction and restoration. The views are really incredible…
..that’s why I stop writing and leave you to Marco’s amazing shots. Enjoy the view (and remember to book your tour)!!!
