Given the long history of Siena’s cathedral, it is no surprise that the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo was opened in 1869 to celebrate the incredible art and architecture that has come through its walls in the past 800 years. Visit Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Italy’s oldest private museum to see the art, silks, manuscripts and codices of the church’s collection\
The museum is located in what was meant to have been the cathedral itself, before the arrival of the Black Death in 1348 ended those plans. Go around the back of the cathedral, to where the now bricked-up bays were meant to add a huge expansion.
Start in the ground floor series of rooms to walk among a huge collection of 14th-century statues that once stood on the cathedral’s façade.
Look for the Maestà altarpiece by Duccio di Buoninsegna, painted between 1308 and 1311. Its two-sided design depicting the Madonna and Child as well as the Passion of Christ makes it a masterpiece of Renaissance art. Next door, browse through the collection of illuminated manuscripts.
Watch gems and gold sparkle in the Treasury, which has a superb collection of liturgical objects from across the centuries as well as several impressive reliquaries.
On the top floor, admire paintings on wood and canvas, as well as the intricate stitch work that went into creating the tapestries.
Come in the evenings and climb to the top of the museum, for a small extra charge, to arrive at sunset practically on top of the Duomo.
The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo is located directly adjacent to the Duomo itself, not far from the Siena Tourist Information Office and the Palazzo del Capitano. Walk from the Piazza del Campo in just a few minutes. Get here from the train station in 15 minutes by bus, 20 minutes by taxi or 30 minutes on foot. Although several metered underground parking lots are available in the vicinity, driving may be difficult due to restrictions in the Historic Center. It’s best to navigate primarily on foot.
The museum is open from mid-morning to evening and there is a fee to enter.
