The Gate of Heaven

12 luglio - porta del cielo

Exploring the ‘roof’ of Siena Cathedral.

The Gate of Heaven opens to visitors as if they were ascending the ladder leading to Heaven, which appeared to Jacob in a dream, used by God’s angels.

The cathedral opens the doors to the very top of the building. Here, we find a series of rooms that have never been open to the public, which for centuries have only been accessed by the great architects who have succeeded one another over the centuries. Above the starry vaults, you can walk atop the sacred cathedral and admire impressive views ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ the cathedral. The Gate of Heaven opens to visitors as if they were ascending through the ladder that appeared in a dream to Jacob, who upon waking exclaimed: ‘This is none other than the house of God, this is the gate of heaven’.

An extraordinary opportunity to enter the most secret rooms of the Siena Cathedral, the masterpiece of Tuscan Gothic architecture, guardian of works of art by Michelangelo, Donatello and Nicola Pisano, and admire the city from above as you have never seen it before.
Every year, the cathedral opens the Gate to Heaven for a limited time to take a journey through the attics and galleries, usually closed to visitors, to admire the masterpieces preserved in the cathedral from a different perspective. Accompanied by an experienced guide, climb up spiral staircases hidden from public view and experience the thrill of walking above other visitors.

From the gallery, you can admire the golden stars studding the dome, the high altar and sculptural masterpieces. Get a close-up view of Duccio Buoninsegna’s stained glass window, the heads of popes and emperors, as well as the ancient gargoyles from which rainwater flowed. While the view of the floor and the works of art of the cathedral from above fills you with wonder, the view from the left aisle will take your breath away. With the basilica of San Domenico, the Torre del Mangia and the whole of Siena at your feet, you will truly feel on top of the world. The left aisle offers a marvellous, sweeping views as far as the Fortezza Medicea and the Sienese Montagnola, while on the small terrace overlooking the cathedral square you can admire the hospital complex of Santa Maria della Scala.

OPENING HOURS

GATE OF HEAVEN during the covered floor period
Month of March: Saturdays only from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm and Sundays from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm. From 1 April to 31 October: Mondays to Saturdays from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Sundays from 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

GATE OF HEAVEN during the uncovered floor period
Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm

Last admission 30 minutes before closing time.

Visit to the Gate of Heaven can only be purchased online or at the ticket office subject to availability click here

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