Crypt in Siena - worth it?
 

According to Rick Steve's guide book, the "newly" discovered crypt under the Duomo in Siena is not worth a visit but the Fodors 2010 guide book says it is a must see. Has anyone visited and is it worth it?

Thanks

How much does it cost?

Admission into the crypt is included in <i>My Name is Ducco</i>, a combo ticket for 5 sights in Siena. I found it archaeologically interesting & warranted a quick visit. The price of the combo ticket was €10 per person (September 2009).

This is a surprisingly easy method to prove that Fodor's guides are superior to Rick Steves' guides, and that Rick Steves must be a complete ignoramus.

Well, I went to Siena last summer and as the crypt is at the bottom of the hill I bought my combo ticket there - with absolutely no queues or lines, unlike up the hill at the Duomo entrance. The Bapristery was the next stop as I recall, again no line to get in, and another beautiful place to see.

The Crypt was fascinating, and I found it surprisingly interesting. Some of the frescoes are amazing, the depth of the excavations is stunning (I want to say gob-smacking here, but it doesn't seem right even though I can't come up with another word to substitute) and the sense of the whole weight of what is above you doesn't hit you until you have left the Crypt and walked up the hill to the Duomo. Then you think ****! Yes, I would agree that it is a must-see, whether it is first or after the Duomo. And it doesn't take long - somewhere between 10-30 minutes depending on how interested you are.

Go with the fodors guide and forget Rick Steves.

Thanks. I will be buying my combo ticket and exploring the crypt.