Siena honors Saint Catherine: schedule of celebrations (29 April - 9

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

Siena devotes ten days to Saint Catherine, patroness of Italy and Europe. The schedule combines devotional rites, musical events and civic ceremonies involving the city's key sacred locations.

Main program

• 29 April 2026
  • 11:00 - Holy Mass at the Sanctuary-House of Saint Catherine (Fontebranda)
  • 18:00 - Mass at the Basilica of San Domenico
  • 21:00 - Concert in the Cathedral by the Siena Conservatory “Rinaldo Franci”
• 30 April 2026
  • 17:00 - Conference “Catherine 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, presided over by Cardinal Augusto Paolo Lojudice
  • 17:30 - Procession departs for Piazza del Campo
  • 18:00 - Civic addresses, confirmation of the Creed for those confirmed, tribute by children of the contrade and blessing with the saint's relic; followed by the traditional flag-waving of the contrade
• 3 May 2026
  • 09:30 - Contrade procession from the Town Hall to the Sanctuary-House of Saint Catherine
  • 10:00 - Offering of oil for the votive lamp and of candles
  • 11:30 - Solemn Mass at the Basilica of San Domenico, presided over by Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti
  • 19:00 - Musical event in the Cathedral by the State Police Band
• 9 May 2026
  • 21:00 - Church of the SS. Annunziata: musical event “Oratorio on St. 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 coverage: celebrations on 2 and 3 May up to the 11:30 Mass will be streamed on the diocese's channels and on local radio stations.

Attendance: public events are free to attend; for solemn Masses it is advisable to arrive early to secure a seat.

Tips: check official diocesan channels for 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 are a chance to visit Siena's sacred sites, join solemn liturgies and learn more about Saint Catherine's historical and spiritual significance in the city.