The gateway to heaven: Secret walkways and attic rooms open in roof of Siena Cathedral for the first time in 900 years

It is known as 'La Porta del Cielo' - the gateway to heaven.

And looking at the magnificent star-studded ceilings and gilded statues of Siena Cathedral its easy to understand why.

The beautiful interior of the Duomo in Tuscany has drawn tourists for years, but now, after decades of restoration, it is possible to see the 13th Century building from a unique perspective.






Breathtaking: The duomo of the 13th century Siena Cathedral has been a tourist a attraction for many years






Hidden gem: A series of secret walkways and enclosed spaces in the knave of the cathedral can now be visited




Eyes down: from the newly opened walkways visitors can enjoy an aerial view of the biblical and mythical scenes depicted in marble in the cathedral floor


A series of enclosed spaces, previously only open to builders under the direction of architects, have been opened in the vault of the cathedral.




Today the so-called 'Sky' section was opened to members of the public for the first time.

Visitors are now permitted to climb up to a walkway near the top of the 16-metre high nave via a spiral stone staircase in one of two towers that flank the entrance.


From there they can enjoy an aerial view of the medieval and Renaissance mosaics that cover the marble floor, as well as getting closer to its ornate vaulted ceiling, which is painted blue with gold stars.


The thirteenth-century Gothic cathedral is a treasure trove of art, and home to works by Donatello, Bernini and the young Michelangelo.


The cathedral itself was originally designed and completed between 1215 and 1263.


Its distinctive striped columns and walls are made from black and white marble in a nod to Siena's black and white civic coat of arms.

It also features a stained-glass window by Ulisse De Matteis of the Apostles, from which visitors can look down into the cathedral with a view of the floor of the main monuments and sculptures of the interior of the dome.







The cathedral's distinctive striped columns and walls are made from black and white marble in a nod to Siena's black and white civic coat of arms



Siena Cathedral in Tuscany is home to some unique works of art by the likes of Donatello and a young Michaelangelo





Visitors can access the 16-metre high knave via a stone spiral staircase





The new walkways give visitors stunning views down into the heart of the cathedral








The cathedral itself was originally designed and completed between 1215 and 1263





The magnificent Duomo is adorned with gilded stars and statues