The cathedral's floor is covered during most of the year to protect the delicate marble inlay, only being fully uncovered for a short period annually.
The pulpit by Giovanni Pisano was moved from its original position and reassembled in the 16th century, yet retains its detailed narrative relief panels.
The cathedral was intended to be the center of a much larger basilica, but the construction of the 'Duomo Nuovo' was abandoned in 1348 due to the Black Death.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini contributed four marble statues for the Capella del Voto inside the cathedral.
The stained glass window on the east side is one of the oldest in Italy, created by Duccio di Buoninsegna in 1288.
The cathedral contains a bust of St. John the Baptist by Donatello in the Chapel of St. John.
The exterior facade was influenced by Giovanni Pisano’s design, incorporating statues of prophets and philosophers that are now replicas to protect the originals.
Siena Cathedral, or Duomo di Siena, is a medieval structure renowned for its intricate marble mosaic floor featuring 56 inlaid panels created over several centuries. The exterior and interior are constructed from alternating bands of white and greenish-black marble, representing the colors of Siena's coat of arms. The interior houses the Piccolomini Library, containing vibrant 16th-century frescoes by Pinturicchio that have retained their original color intensity. Giovanni Pisano designed the ornate marble pulpit, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic sculpture completed in 1268. The dome, topped by a gilded lantern, features a unique hexagonal shape. The cathedral remains a functioning Catholic church, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. Its construction began in the 13th century on the site of a previous structure dedicated to Minerva.
From the terrace of the Facciatone, which provides a panoramic view of the cathedral roof and the city of Siena.
Purchase the OPA SI Pass to access the cathedral, the crypt, the baptistery, and the panoramic views from the Facciatone.
Look up at the ceiling where gold stars on a blue background mirror the layout of the night sky.
Spend time examining the base of the columns where intricate, often overlooked, relief carvings are located.
Avoid visiting on days of religious ceremonies or private events when parts of the cathedral may be restricted.
The cathedral floor is typically uncovered for public viewing only during specific weeks between late summer and early autumn.
Shoulders and knees must be covered; hats should be removed; maintain silence as it is a place of worship.
