Siena honors Saint Catherine: schedule of events (29 April - 9 May 2026)

Siena honors Saint Catherine: schedule of events (29 April - 9 May 2026)

Siena dedicates ten days to Saint Catherine, co-patroness of Italy and Europe. The program blends devotional rites, musical performances and civic ceremonies held in the city's principal sacred locations.

Main program

• 29 April 2026
  • 11:00 - Mass at the Sanctuary-House of Saint Catherine (Fontebranda)
  • 18:00 - Mass at the Basilica of San Domenico
  • 21:00 - Concert at the Cathedral by the Conservatory of Siena “Rinaldo Franci”
• 30 April 2026
  • 17:00 - Lecture "Caterina and the border age: between continuity and transformation" (Sanctuary-House of Saint Catherine, Fontebranda) - part of the Franciscan Jubilee Year
• 2 May 2026
  • 15:00 - Floral tribute on Via XXV Aprile
  • 16:00 - Solemn Mass at the Basilica of San Domenico, celebrated by Cardinal Augusto Paolo Lojudice
  • 17:30 - Procession departs for Piazza del Campo
  • 18:00 - Official addresses, confirmation of the Creed for confirmands, children's offerings from the contrade and blessing with the saint's relic; followed by the traditional contrade flag-waving
• 3 May 2026
  • 09:30 - Contrade procession from Palazzo Comunale to the Sanctuary-House of Saint Catherine
  • 10:00 - Offering of oil for the votive lamp and presentation of candles
  • 11:30 - Solemn Mass at the Basilica of San Domenico, celebrated by Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti
  • 19:00 - Musical event at the Cathedral by the State Police Band
• 9 May 2026
  • 21:00 - Church of the SS. Annunziata: musical event "Oratorio on Saint Catherine of Siena" curated by Gianni Proietti

Practical information

• Period: from 29 April to 9 May 2026
• Main venues: Sanctuary-House of Saint Catherine (Fontebranda), Basilica of San Domenico, Siena Cathedral, Piazza del Campo, Church of the SS. Annunziata
• Live streaming: celebrations on 2 and 3 May up to the 11:30 Mass will be broadcast live on the diocesan Facebook page and on MIA Radio (FM: 97.4 – 96.8 – 97.2 – 101.6)
• Attendance: public events are free; for solemn Masses arrive early to secure a seat
• Tips: check diocesan channels for last-minute updates; prefer public transport or walking in the historic centre to avoid parking issues
• Main address: Sanctuary-House of Saint Catherine, Costa Sant'Antonio 6, 53100 Siena
• Coordinates: 43.3200373, 11.3288401

The celebrations offer a chance to visit Siena’s sacred sites, attend solemn liturgies and learn more about Saint Catherine’s historical and spiritual significance in the city.