Would like to visit the Duomo in Siena while we are there. Do we need tickets? Or do we need to make a reservation? Where to purchase tickets? How much are they? We will only be in Siena for an afternoon. What other sights would you suggest? I am thinking of the Piazza Del Campo and the Nuovo Duomo possibly. I think from there you cam climp up and get a pretty good view of the town? Not sure about that one. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Martha
My memory is a little sketchy here (see Rick's book for accurate details), but I remember getting tickets at the adjacent Cathedral Museum. I seriously doubt you'll need a reservation. In the museum, you should definitely climb the Panorama dal Facciatone - the cathedral's unfinished tower. Go as high as you can for terrific views of Siena.
And you should definitely cruise around Il Campo. But if you're going to be in Siena when The Palio is run, then all logistic bets are off - it's very crowded and very crazy (and exhilarating).
Martha,
I don't recall whether tickets are required for the Duomo, however they are required to climb the Tower which is next to the Duomo (lots of steps and circular staircase, but a fanastic view!). There's also a Baptistery around the corner and downhill (somewhat in the "basement" of the Duomo).
One reminder though - they're strict about the dress code in the Duomo so no bare shoulders, etc. or you'll end up wearing the dreaded "blue paper tablecloth". The Duomo is magnificent inside and well worth seeing.
"Il Campo" is definitely a worthwhile stop! There are lots of interesting small Cafes and Gelato shops in the surrounding side streets. If your timing is right, you may be treated to one of the local celebrations in Il Campo, with the participants dressed in the clothing of their contrade (I witnessed a "spettacolo" on my last visit with a huge awards ceremony for the best tamburino). The Church of San Domenico is also very impressive (as I recall, a bit more restrictive though so photos were not allowed inside).
Check the Italy Guidebook for restaurant listings, as there are some good restaurants there.
Happy travels!
In Rick's guidebook, he tells of 3 places in the Campo in which they have an elevated seating area. One is a bar (went to that one), one is a gelato place, and can't remember what the other one is. Great overall view of the Campo, and when you're down at ground level you see people and wonder "How'd they get up there"
We just got back from Siena and bought our tickets at the Duomo itself. No reservation, just walked up and purchased them. Our ticket also got us into the museum where we went up to the roof and took some great photos. You could spend a whole day just wondering around Siena's side streets, going into the little shops having a nice lunch and some gelato. And if you're there on Wednesday it's market day from 8am to 1pm. Always fun.
Martha, you buy your Duomo tickets at the door and when we were there about 2 weeks ago the lines weren't too long, about 5 minutes. Other than Il Campo and the Duomo, the Civic Museum in the City Hall was well worth seeing; RS only gives it one star but I would rate it higher. Other than that, the town of Siena is the main sight. Just stroll around and enjoy the place, have a cafe and take it all in. Hopefully, you are spending the night; the place is magical after dark when all the day trippers from Florence leave.
