Siena Cathedral Floor
The Siena Cathedral floor is uncovered in 2026 from 27 June to 31 July and 18 August to 15 November. Why it is covered, what its 56 marble scenes show, and the best way to see it.
Siena Cathedral’s inlaid marble floor is uncovered in 2026 from 27 June to 31 July and from 18 August to 15 November, an extended opening for the Year of St Francis; the rest of the year it is protected under boards.
It is a pavement of 56 scenes in marble inlay, made by Sienese artists over several centuries. To see it with someone who can read it for you, the most-reviewed guided walk on GetYourGuide is Tuscan Escapes by Papilio’s Walking Tour and Skip-the-Line Duomo Tickets, from US$45 a person (checked October 2026).
Why the floor is covered
Because people walk on it. The scenes are made of cut marble set into the pavement, some engraved and filled with black, and centuries of feet wear them away; most of the floor is therefore kept under protective boards for most of the year, and it is fully visible only during the uncovering. The Opera della Metropolitana, which looks after it, sets the dates each year. In 2026 they were extended to 15 November, and the cathedral ticket costs €10 instead of €7 while the floor is open.
What to look for
Start at the entrance. Just inside the main door is Hermes Trismegistus, by Giovanni di Stefano, from 1488, and along the side aisles are the ten Sibyls, made in 1482 and 1483. Further in, the Opera’s own list of highlights includes the Massacre of the Innocents by Matteo di Giovanni and Domenico Beccafumi’s scenes of Moses, among the largest and most dramatic of the panels. The inscription at the threshold asks you to enter the Virgin’s church chastely.
Practical points while it is uncovered
The floor is roped off in places, so you walk along set paths. Until 31 October the cathedral is open from 10:00 to 19:00 and from 9:30 on Sundays and holidays; from 1 November it opens from 10:30 to 17:30, and on Sundays and holidays at 10:00 until 15 November, then only from 13:30. During the uncovering the Masses move to the church of the Santissima Annunziata across the square. The quietest way to see it is DEAR GUESTS’ 7:15 opening with the Clavigero, before the doors open to everyone; the Porta del Cielo guide covers it.
Pick how you see the floor:
Walking Tour + Skip-the-Line Duomo
Two hours through the old town, ending inside the cathedral.
Check dates →7:15 Opening + Gate of Heaven
The floor in an almost empty cathedral, then the roof walk.
See the early opening →OPA SI PASS
The cathedral and six more sites with a phone audio guide.
See the pass →Prices and review counts as listed on GetYourGuide in October 2026, not a quote.
Check dates and book
See the Floor With a Guide, Skip the Line
Tuscan Escapes by Papilio walks you through Siena's centre for two hours with an English-speaking local guide and takes you into the cathedral with skip-the-line tickets. Rated 4.8 from 1,436 reviews, from US$45 a person as of October 2026, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Check Walking Tour Dates