2-Hour St. Catherine Tour in Siena with Sacred Sites and Views

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Discover St. Catherine's heritage at the Basilica of San Domenico
• 02 Visit Catherine's birthplace, a revered sanctuary since 1464
• 03 Walk to Fontebranda, one of Siena's oldest and most important medieval fountains
• 04 Follow St. Catherine's path to the Cathedral and Santa Maria Della Scala
• 05 Visit the Oratory Santa Caterina Della Notte, where Catherine rested and prayed

Enjoy a 2-hour tour through the parts of Siena linked to the figure of St. Catherine, the patron saint of Italy together with St. Francis of Assisi and co-patron of Europe. Visit the Basilica of San Domenico and the saint's birthplace with an expert local guide, then continue to Fontebranda, where Catherine's father used the fountain's water to produce wool. The tour also leads to the medieval Hospital of Santa Maria Della Scala and the Oratory Santa Caterina Della Notte. Learn about this brave woman of the past while admiring the wonderful landscapes that Siena offers.

Catherine used to walk this way to reach the Cathedral and the Hospital; it was here that, according to legend, as a tiny child, she had her first mystical vision of Jesus.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Yes

City Siena

Languages English, French, German, Italian

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Explore St. Catherine's Siena

• Begin at the Basilica of San Domenico and see the extraordinary chapel dedicated to the saint, frescoed in the first part of the 16th century by Sodoma.
• Visit the birthplace of Catherine, which became a sanctuary in 1464, shortly after her canonisation.
• From the house, descend towards Fontebranda, one of the oldest and most important medieval fountains.
• From the fountain, decide whether to take the escalators that lead near the Cathedral, or, for sports enthusiasts, walk along Via del Costone, which offers a wonderful panoramic view.
• Catherine used to walk this way to reach the Cathedral and the Hospital; it was here that, according to legend, as a tiny child, she had her first mystical vision of Jesus.
• Going up the Baptistery steps, reach the Cathedral, in front of which stands the imposing building of the Hospital Santa Maria Della Scala, founded at the beginning of the 10th century.
• Inside, visit the Oratory Santa Caterina Della Notte, where Catherine rested and prayed after dedicating herself to works of charity and assistance.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• 2 h 30 min private visit

• Authorised English-speaking local guide

What to bring

• Face mask

Know before you go

• Participants will walk medium distances.

• Wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for variable weather conditions.

• In the case of wheelchairs and pushchairs, please inform us in advance in order to organise the tour in the best possible way.

• Please dress appropriately to enter holy places: cover your shoulders and do not wear shorts.

• Due to unexpected church closures or force majeure, the guide might change the itinerary with prior notice.

• In the case of large groups, radios are required to enter churches and the sanctuary; the guide can book and provide them for a small surcharge.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico, Piazza San Domenico, 1, Siena, Province of Siena, Italy

Tour start

53100 Siena, Province of Siena, Italy

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.