Siena honors Saint Catherine: events from 29 April to 9 May 2026

Siena honors Saint Catherine: events from 29 April to 9 May 2026

Siena dedicates ten days to Saint Catherine, co-patroness of Italy and Europe. The program mixes solemn liturgies, musical performances and civic traditions, taking place in the city's main sacred sites.

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 in the Cathedral by the Conservatory of Siena “Rinaldo Franci”.
• 30 April 2026 – 17:00: lecture “Catherine and the borderline age. Between continuity and transformation” (Sanctuary-House of Saint Catherine, Fontebranda), part of the Franciscan Jubilee Year.
• 2 May 2026 – 15:00: floral tribute in via XXV Aprile; 16:00: solemn Mass in the Basilica of San Domenico, presided by Cardinal Augusto Paolo Lojudice; 17:30: procession departs for Piazza del Campo; 18:00: speeches by authorities, confirmation of the Creed for confirmands, tribute from the contrade children and blessing with the Saint’s relic; traditional flag-throwing follows.
• 3 May 2026 – 09:30: contrade procession from the Town Hall to the Sanctuary-House; 10:00: offering of oil for the votive lamp and offering of candles; 11:30: solemn Mass in the Basilica of San Domenico, presided by Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti; 19:00: musical event in the Cathedral by the 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 broadcasts: celebrations on 2 and 3 May up to the 11:30 Mass will be streamed on the diocesan Facebook page and on MIA Radio (FM: 97.4 – 96.8 – 97.2 – 101.6).
• Attendance: public events are free to attend; for solemn Masses arrive early to secure a seat, especially during ceremonies with authorities.
• Tips: check official diocesan channels for last-minute changes; prefer public transport or walking to avoid parking issues in the historic centre.
• Main address: Sanctuary-House of Saint Catherine, Costa Sant'Antonio 6, 53100 Siena.
• Coordinates: 43.3200373, 11.3288401.

These events offer a chance to explore Siena’s sacred heritage, attend solemn liturgies and learn about Saint Catherine’s historical and spiritual significance to the city.