Siena's Prima Lux: Dawn Viewing from Facciatone and Palazzo delle Papesse

The initiative "Prima Lux: L'alba sulla Città" invites the public to watch the sunrise from two panoramic points in Siena: the Facciatone (the unfinished facade of the "Duomo nuovo") and the newly reopened altana of Palazzo delle Papesse. The event takes place every Saturday in September 2025 at 5:45 AM (September 6 and 13) or 6:00 AM (September 20 and 27). Visitors must book by phone (0577 286300) or email ([email protected]) and will enjoy a breakfast at the Bistrot of Palazzo delle Papesse after sunrise. Palazzo delle Papesse, reopened for exhibitions a year ago, was built for Caterina Piccolomini, sister of Pope Pius II, starting in 1460. Its design is attributed to Bernardo Rossellino and Antonio Federighi. The altana hosted Galileo Galilei in 1633, who used it for lunar observations. The Facciatone is the remnant of a 14th-century expansion of Siena Cathedral, begun in 1339 and abandoned due to economic issues and excessive ambition. The facade features characteristic white and black marble bands.