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Basilica of San Francesco, Siena

Church

Just outside Siena's shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, this Franciscan basilica houses frescoes and architectural details typical of Sienese churches; visitors include it on cultural walks and art-focused itineraries.

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Basilica of San Francesco, Siena essentials

Address: Basilica of San Francesco, Siena (historic center)
Hours: Daily 9am-7pm (may vary with liturgical services)
Admission: Free entry to basilica; some guided tours or special exhibitions may charge
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Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Basilica of San Francesco, Siena

Siena is best in spring or autumn for weather and manageable crowds; winter and summer bring extremes.

Spring (Apr-Jun)
Apr-Jun · 10-22°C (50-72°F)
Comfortable for walking Siena's hills; spring light flatters brick façades.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Sep-Nov · 12-20°C (54-68°F)
Cooler, with fewer tourists-good for lingering in churches and museums.

Weather & Climate near Basilica of San Francesco, Siena

Climate

Basilica of San Francesco, Siena's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (767 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 47 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
41°
Warmest Month
-9°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable 3° - 9° 5° 59 mm partly cloudy 89% 1.5 m/s 0.2 low 9.2h
February Acceptable 3° - 11° 6° 59 mm partly cloudy 85% 1.8 m/s 0.3 low 10.3h
March Acceptable 5° - 13° 8° 62 mm partly cloudy 81% 2.2 m/s 0.6 moderate 11.8h
April Good 7° - 17° 12° 68 mm partly cloudy 77% 2.1 m/s 1.0 high 13.3h
May Very Good 11° - 22° 16° 58 mm partly cloudy 71% 1.9 m/s 1.5 high 14.5h
June Excellent 15° - 26° 20° 55 mm some cloud 61% 1.9 m/s 1.9 very high 15.2h
July Ideal 17° - 29° 23° 30 mm mostly sunny 54% 1.9 m/s 2.0 very high 14.9h
August Ideal 17° - 29° 23° 40 mm mostly sunny 57% 1.8 m/s 1.6 very high 13.8h
September Excellent 14° - 24° 19° 63 mm partly cloudy 66% 1.6 m/s 1.0 high 12.4h
October Good 11° - 19° 15° 91 mm partly cloudy 78% 1.6 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.9h
November Acceptable 7° - 14° 10° 101 mm overcast 87% 1.6 m/s 0.2 low 9.5h
December Acceptable 3° - 10° 5° 81 mm partly cloudy 89% 1.6 m/s 0.1 low 8.8h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Basilica of San Francesco, Siena

In Siena’s historic center. From Siena train station, buses run to the city centre (Piazza del Campo) and the basilica is a short walk from there. Walking from Piazza del Campo takes roughly 10-15 minutes uphill.

Tips for Visiting Basilica of San Francesco, Siena

  • Enter through the side portal to avoid the main tourist flow and spot fresco fragments above the doorway
  • On weekdays, check for choir rehearsal times - the acoustics are exceptional and often unscheduled
  • Explore the adjoining friary cloister (if open) for quieter medieval stonework most visitors miss