The church houses the preserved head of Saint Catherine, which was brought to Siena from Rome in 1381.
The building was constructed primarily using Sienese brickwork, reflecting the material history of the city.
The chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine was built specifically to house her relics after the church interior was redesigned in the 17th century.
The interior is notably devoid of typical Gothic ornate tracery, favoring a simplified, high-walled design common in Italian Dominican architecture.
Saint Catherine experienced many of her mystical visions in this church, which she attended regularly during her life in the 1300s.
The Basilica Cateriniana di San Domenico is a prominent brick-built Gothic church in Siena, historically significant for housing the relics of Saint Catherine of Siena. Founded in the 13th century and expanded in the 14th, the church features a distinct Cistercian-Gothic architecture characterized by its austere, cavernous interior. The Chapel of Saint Catherine contains the saint's mummified head and thumb, held within a marble tabernacle. The building serves as a major pilgrimage site due to its deep association with the patron saint of Italy. Its structure has undergone significant restorations following earthquakes and structural damage over the centuries. The interior walls display notable frescoes, including works by Sodoma and Vanni, depicting scenes from the life of Saint Catherine. The basilica sits on the Colle di San Domenico, overlooking the historic center of the city.
The elevated square (Piazza S. Domenico) directly outside the main entrance, providing a vantage point over the city.
Visit the Chapel of Saint Catherine early or late in the day to avoid crowds gathered around the relic case.
Walk to the adjacent terrace for one of the best panoramic views of the Siena Duomo and the city skyline.
The church interior is significantly cooler than the outdoor temperatures, so bring a light layer even in summer.
Do not attempt to photograph the relics in the Chapel of Saint Catherine, as photography is strictly prohibited inside the chapel area.
Shoulders and knees must be covered; maintain silence inside the religious spaces.
