Siena Cathedral Complex offers a rich blend of history, art, and architecture, showcasing the talents of some of Italy’s greatest artists, including Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Pinturicchio.
That’s why it is highly recommended that tourists in Siena spend at least two hours exploring the Cathedral.
Architectural Splendor
The Cathedral, constructed between 1215 and 1263, stands as a testament to the ambition and artistic prowess of medieval Siena.
Its Romanesque-Gothic style, characterized by a Latin cross layout with a projecting transept, dome, and bell tower, is a sight you shouldn’t miss.
The exterior and interior of the Cathedral are adorned with alternating stripes of white and greenish-black marble, the symbolic colors of Siena, adding to its visual appeal.
The facade, designed by Giovanni Pisano, features three intricately carved portals, a bronze sun, and sculptures that originally showcased prophets, sibyls, and philosophers.
Artistic Treasures
Siena Cathedral houses a wealth of artistic masterpieces. We list some of them below:
The Marble Mosaic Floor
This elaborate floor, consisting of 56 panels, is a unique and captivating feature of the Cathedral.
Created over 600 years ago by more than 40 artists, it depicts biblical and historical scenes, incorporating graffito and marble inlay techniques.
Visitors can see panels like the Wheel of Fortune (1372) and The She-Wolf of Siena with the Emblems of the Confederate Cities (1373).
Renowned artists like Domenico di Niccoló and Domenico di Bartolo also contributed to the floor’s creation.
Recommended
The Piccolomini Library
Commissioned by Cardinal Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini (later Pope Pius III), this library is a visual delight.
Its walls and ceiling are adorned with vibrant frescoes by Pinturicchio, showcasing scenes from the life of Pope Pius II.
Sculptures by Donatello and Michelangelo
Art enthusiasts can marvel at Donatello’s bronze statue of St. John the Baptist in the north transept and his contributions to the baptismal font in the Baptistery.
The Piccolomini Altarpiece houses four sculptures by a young Michelangelo, including a noteworthy St. Paul.
Duccio di Buoninsegna’s Stained Glass
While the original Maestà altarpiece and stained-glass rose window by Duccio di Buoninsegna are now housed in the Cathedral’s Museum (Museo dell’Opera), you can see a copy of the rose window in the Cathedral above the apse.
Recommended
Beyond the Cathedral Walls
The Siena Cathedral experience extends beyond the main building to encompass several captivating sites within the complex:
The Crypt: This hidden gem, rediscovered in 1999, offers a glimpse into 13th-century Sienese painting. Visitors can explore a series of vividly colored frescoes depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
The Baptistery of San Giovanni: Situated beneath the Cathedral’s choir, the Baptistery showcases a hexagonal baptismal font adorned with bronze panels by renowned artists, including Donatello. The Baptistery’s interior construction, completed around 1325, is also worth exploring.
“Gate of Heaven” Tour: This unique tour grants access to areas above the Cathedral’s vaults, including spaces not typically open to the public. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views both inside and outside the Cathedral, offering a fresh perspective on this architectural marvel. More about Gate of Heaven Tour
Experience it all with the Opa Si Pass
To maximize your visit, consider purchasing the Opa Si Pass. This ticket provides access to all the sites mentioned above, excluding the “Gate of Heaven” tour, for three consecutive days.
Siena Cathedral is not merely a religious site; it embodies the city’s history, artistic achievements, and civic pride.
A visit to this magnificent complex offers a journey through time, art, and spirituality, making it an unmissable destination for any tourist visiting Siena.