I will be in Siena from a Sunday late afternoon/evening until early afternoon the next day. The Duomo is my main interest, and I want to take some time to enjoy outdoor Siena. I've read you can purchase the Opa Si card for the Duomo sights, and that for one dollar more you can get in a shorter line and purchase a same-day reservation. Have any of you purchased a ticket this way? Was it faster? Did you have to wait long? And, what is a reasonable amount of time to spend seeing all the Duomo areas? Does anyone know why the Duomo doesn't open until 10:30? That seems really late in comparison with so many other sights in Italy and other European countries - that late opening is one of the most frustrating aspects of planning my trip.
Posted by
California 🦋
5290 posts
I've not been to Siena yet, but RS' Italy book does mention paying the extra one Euro only if there are long lines to enter the Duomo.
According to the official website, it takes around 2-3 hours to visit the cathedral complex.
I presume the cathedral does not open for touring till 10:30AM due to religious services which are held at 9AM and 10AM.
Enjoy your time in Italy!
Posted by
Boston, MA
1829 posts
I recommend taking the Gate of Heaven tour of the duomo.
The ticket cost covers the entire complex and you get a guided tour in the rafters and roof of the Duomo.
A great experience, and one that does require advance booking and a scheduled time slot.
There is no wait if you take this timed tour. After the tour you can see the inside of the Duomo since the tour starts and ends inside it.
http://operaduomo.siena.it/en/sites/gate_of_heaven/
Posted by
OP
28 posts
Thanks for the recommendation and link. Do you know - if I purchase the all-inclusive pass and reserve a time for the gate of heaven tour, can I still use the rest of the pass for three days? My plan would be to arrive late Sunday afternoon and take the tour, then go back on Monday to see other parts of the Duomo. Or, the other way around – see at least some parts of the Duomo on Sunday afternoon, and have my gate of heaven tour at 10:30 the next day and see other parts but I didn't see the day before.
Posted by
Boston, MA
1829 posts
Yeah, I believe the pass to the whole complex is valid for 3 days if you purchase the Gate of Heaven tour. I only went to Siena as a day trip so cannot comment more but the pass worked for access into the other buildings easily.
I pulled up the email I had and it states this:
OPA SI PASS PLUS (Gate of Heaven + Duomo + Baptistery + Crypt + Museum with Panorama cost of € 20.00 which lasts three days) with the ROOF MAP
This is the email address if you want to email them with your dates for a reservation:
[email protected]
The group was small (maybe 10 people total on the tour) which made it nice, was a little rushed at parts but a unique experience to see areas most do not get to see. You go inside, then outside, then inside, then outside, etc... the reason I state this is if you are into taking pictures you have to know your camera well since need to change settings completely and quickly.
Not sure if it has changed at all from the Fall when I was there but the forms they send you make it sound like you need to send them prepayment via wire transfer or something crazy like that, but that is not true no prepayment is required. You pay for your tickets at the Duomo ticket office under the reservations line from what I recall.
Posted by
NC
219 posts
I had planned to purchase the Opa Si Plus pass when we arrived for a day trip to Siena (probably Oct 9). From what I'm reading here, is it recommended to reserve ahead of time?
Posted by
Boston, MA
1829 posts
I was told the Gate of Heaven slots reserve/sell out well in advance. if you want the pass for the other things, no need to reserve. if you want the Gate of Heaven tour, best to book in advance.
Paid nothing in advance so might as well.
Posted by
OP
28 posts
Thanks for the information. I'll plan to get the all-inclusive pass and reserve a time for the gate of heaven. I appreciate the suggestion and information!
Posted by
NC
219 posts
Glad I saw this post/question, have sent my email to request a reservation - thanks!
Posted by
OP
28 posts
Did any of you have any trouble on the website ordering the pass? I could select a date and indicate 1 adult at the time I wanted, then hit "next," but nothing happened. Do you know if you need to have an account with Ticket One, the ticket purchasing service used by the Duomo? There is a box in the upper right corner for a user name and password, but no directions for how to establish an account.
Posted by
Meridian MS
248 posts
I emailed [email protected] directly, told them the date and time I wanted to go to Gate of Heaven. They responded very promptly (within 24 hours) and gave me a reservation code along with instructions for the day of and additional information. In Siena I went to the ticket booth as directed, showed a picture of my confirmation email, paid and was on my way to tour within minutes. Very efficient and a wonderful tour. No need to involve TicketOne.
Also, i sometimes had trouble booking events for Italy with Edge. Switching to another browser usually solved the problem. Enjoy!
Posted by
NC
219 posts
As a follow up, I sent my email late yesterday east coast time and had a response when I got up this AM. I gave them a range of times and they sent my reservation. The notice says to pay within 5 days, but the email said to ignore that and pay when we arrive. So glad I saw this post as I don't want to miss the Gate of Heaven tour.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area
5697 posts
We were in Siena this morning (about 11 a.m.) and walked right in to the ticket office, got Duomo and Baptistry tickets, walked across the piazza and saw the Duomo. No line, no crowds -- but at about 1 p.m. things seemed busier. Asked about the Gates of Heaven --climb of 79 steps which for me doesn't sound like fun (maybe if I were 50 again...)