The Museo dell’Opera della Metropolitana, next to Siena Cathedral, is an artistic treasure that gathers works removed from the cathedral over the centuries. Here you will find Duccio di Buoninsegna’s Maestà, a 14th-century masterpiece, sculptures by Giovanni Pisano, Donatello, and Jacopo della Quercia, and a rich collection of goldsmith works and illuminated manuscripts. Climbing the Facciatone, the panoramic terrace, you enjoy a unique view of the city.
What not to miss:
– Duccio’s Maestà (1308-1311), a double-sided altarpiece with scenes of the Passion.
– Giovanni Pisano’s statues from the cathedral façade (Sibyls, Prophets, Philosophers).
– Facciatone: panoramic terrace overlooking the unfinished New Cathedral.
– Treasury Room: goldsmith works, reliquaries, and Bernini’s Golden Rose.
Events nearby
31/01/2026 - 02/06/2026
03/06/2026 - 07/06/2026
In the heart of Siena, the Museo dell’Opera della Metropolitana houses masterpieces such as Duccio’s Maestà, Giovanni Pisano’s statues, and the breathtaking view from the Facciatone.
- Piazza Jacopo della Quercia, Siena (SI)
- Open in Google Maps
- View on Google Images Museo dell’Opera della Metropolitana a Siena
Good to know
Museo dell’Opera: A Treasure in the New Cathedral
Entering the Museo dell’Opera della Metropolitana is like stepping back in time, walking through the naves of what was meant to become the New Cathedral of Siena. The project, begun in 1339, was halted by the plague of 1348, and today it houses one of Italy’s richest collections of sacred art. Here you encounter absolute masterpieces like Duccio di Buoninsegna’s Maestà, a monumental altarpiece painted on both sides, and the statues carved by Giovanni Pisano for the cathedral’s façade. But the real highlight is the Facciatone: climbing the spiral staircase brings you to a panoramic terrace that offers a breathtaking view of Siena and its Duomo. A place that combines art, history, and a view that stays with you.
Museo dell’Opera: A Treasure in the New Cathedral
Entering the Museo dell’Opera della Metropolitana is like stepping back in time, walking through the naves of what was meant to become the New Cathedral of Siena. The project, begun in 1339, was halted by the plague of 1348, and today it houses one of Italy’s richest collections of sacred art. Here you encounter absolute masterpieces like Duccio di Buoninsegna’s Maestà, a monumental altarpiece painted on both sides, and the statues carved by Giovanni Pisano for the cathedral’s façade. But the real highlight is the Facciatone: climbing the spiral staircase brings you to a panoramic terrace that offers a breathtaking view of Siena and its Duomo. A place that combines art, history, and a view that stays with you.
Historical Background
The museum was founded in 1869 to house the works removed from the Siena Cathedral. It is located in the right nave of the Duomo Nuovo, an extension begun in 1339 and never completed due to the plague of 1348. The Opera della Metropolitana is documented as early as 1180. Among the oldest pieces stands out the Madonna of the Big Eyes (c. 1225), before which the Sienese prayed before the Battle of Montaperti (1260). Here are the key moments:
- 1180 – First traces of the Opera
- 1339 – Start of construction of the Duomo Nuovo
- 1348 – Black Death halts work
- 1869 – Foundation of the museum
- 1308-1311 – Duccio creates the Maestà
- 1285-1297 – Giovanni Pisano sculpts the statues of the facade
Historical Background
The museum was founded in 1869 to house the works removed from the Siena Cathedral. It is located in the right nave of the Duomo Nuovo, an extension begun in 1339 and never completed due to the plague of 1348. The Opera della Metropolitana is documented as early as 1180. Among the oldest pieces stands out the Madonna of the Big Eyes (c. 1225), before which the Sienese prayed before the Battle of Montaperti (1260). Here are the key moments:
- 1180 – First traces of the Opera
- 1339 – Start of construction of the Duomo Nuovo
- 1348 – Black Death halts work
- 1869 – Foundation of the museum
- 1308-1311 – Duccio creates the Maestà
- 1285-1297 – Giovanni Pisano sculpts the statues of the facade
Duccio’s Maestà
The heart of the museum is the Maestà by Duccio (1308-1311), a double-sided altarpiece: on the front, the Madonna enthroned with angels and saints; on the back, 26 scenes from the Passion of Christ with over one hundred figures. The room is dimly lit to protect the colors. Nearby, you’ll find the Nativity of the Virgin by Pietro Lorenzetti (1342) and Duccio’s Madonna of Crevole, an early work. Don’t miss the Stained Glass Window of the Assumption (1287-1288), also by Duccio, unique for its size and chromatic quality. It is a breathtaking experience.
Duccio’s Maestà
The heart of the museum is the Maestà by Duccio (1308-1311), a double-sided altarpiece: on the front, the Madonna enthroned with angels and saints; on the back, 26 scenes from the Passion of Christ with over one hundred figures. The room is dimly lit to protect the colors. Nearby, you’ll find the Nativity of the Virgin by Pietro Lorenzetti (1342) and Duccio’s Madonna of Crevole, an early work. Don’t miss the Stained Glass Window of the Assumption (1287-1288), also by Duccio, unique for its size and chromatic quality. It is a breathtaking experience.
The Facciatone and the Panoramic View
Climbing the spiral staircase leads you to the Facciatone, the unfinished wall of the New Cathedral. From up there, the view over Siena is spectacular: the cathedral’s bell tower, the Torre del Mangia, and the Tuscan hills. It’s the perfect spot for unforgettable photos. The route includes the Porta del Cielo, another terrace. Along the climb, you can admire the statues by Giovanni Pisano (Sibyls, Prophets) and Donatello’s tondo Madonna del Perdono (1458). A blend of art and scenery that makes the visit unique.
The Facciatone and the Panoramic View
Climbing the spiral staircase leads you to the Facciatone, the unfinished wall of the New Cathedral. From up there, the view over Siena is spectacular: the cathedral’s bell tower, the Torre del Mangia, and the Tuscan hills. It’s the perfect spot for unforgettable photos. The route includes the Porta del Cielo, another terrace. Along the climb, you can admire the statues by Giovanni Pisano (Sibyls, Prophets) and Donatello’s tondo Madonna del Perdono (1458). A blend of art and scenery that makes the visit unique.
Why Visit It
Three good reasons: first, see Duccio’s Maestà from both sides – a rare opportunity. Second, climb the Facciatone for a breathtaking view, less crowded than the Torre del Mangia. Third, the combined ticket (€20 full, €5 reduced) includes the Cathedral, Piccolomini Library, Crypt, and Baptistery. Plus, the museum is often quieter than the Cathedral, so you can enjoy the artworks at your leisure. Free audio guide on your phone.
Why Visit It
Three good reasons: first, see Duccio’s Maestà from both sides – a rare opportunity. Second, climb the Facciatone for a breathtaking view, less crowded than the Torre del Mangia. Third, the combined ticket (€20 full, €5 reduced) includes the Cathedral, Piccolomini Library, Crypt, and Baptistery. Plus, the museum is often quieter than the Cathedral, so you can enjoy the artworks at your leisure. Free audio guide on your phone.
When to Go
The best time is spring or autumn, when days are mild and the light is perfect for the view from the Facciatone. If you can, choose late afternoon: the setting sun bathes the Duomo in a warm golden color. In summer, go early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds. The museum is closed on December 25 and January 1; from March to October it opens 9:00-19:30, in winter until 17:30. Always check the updated hours.
When to Go
The best time is spring or autumn, when days are mild and the light is perfect for the view from the Facciatone. If you can, choose late afternoon: the setting sun bathes the Duomo in a warm golden color. In summer, go early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds. The museum is closed on December 25 and January 1; from March to October it opens 9:00-19:30, in winter until 17:30. Always check the updated hours.
In the Vicinity
The museum is in Piazza Duomo: take the opportunity to visit the Cathedral with its mosaic floor and the Piccolomini Library, the Crypt, and the Baptistery of San Giovanni – all included in the cumulative ticket. If you have time, stroll around Piazza del Campo and climb the Torre del Mangia (a different view, but the one from the Facciatone is already fantastic). For a break, the surrounding cafés serve excellent coffee and Sienese panini.
In the Vicinity
The museum is in Piazza Duomo: take the opportunity to visit the Cathedral with its mosaic floor and the Piccolomini Library, the Crypt, and the Baptistery of San Giovanni – all included in the cumulative ticket. If you have time, stroll around Piazza del Campo and climb the Torre del Mangia (a different view, but the one from the Facciatone is already fantastic). For a break, the surrounding cafés serve excellent coffee and Sienese panini.
Itineraries nearby
💡 Did You Know…?
A curious anecdote: the ‘Madonna of the Large Eyes’, painted by the Master of Tressa in 1225, is so called for the Virgin’s disproportionately large eyes. Before this panel, the Sienese people prayed before the Battle of Montaperti in 1260, asking for protection. The victory was attributed to the Madonna’s intercession, making the work a symbol of civic devotion.