Basilica of San Domenico

The Basilica of San Domenico, in Siena

The Basilica of San Domenico is one of the great churches of Siena, perched on the hill of Camporegio. The Siena audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this brick sanctuary of the Dominicans, closely linked to Saint Catherine of Siena.

The Dominican sanctuary of Saint Catherine

Perched on the hill of Camporegio, the Basilica of San Domenico is one of the great landmarks of Siena. It was begun in 1226, then enlarged in the fourteenth century. Its massive red brick silhouette may seem austere, but it is precisely the style of the great mendicant orders, like the Dominicans to whom it belonged: a deliberate plainness, in the service of prayer and preaching. Its vast nave and its scale impress by their sobriety. The basilica is above all famous for its intimate link with Saint Catherine of Siena, one of the greatest spiritual figures of Italy, patron saint of Italy and Europe, who assiduously frequented this place. The basilica keeps venerated relics of the saint as well as a chapel dedicated to her, adorned with frescoes. From its elevated position, it also offers fine views over the town and the cathedral. A major sanctuary and a high spiritual place, the Basilica of San Domenico is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the great Dominican red brick church begun in 1226 on the hill of Camporegio, with an austere silhouette and a vast nave typical of the mendicant orders, closely linked to Saint Catherine of Siena of whom it keeps venerated relics and a chapel adorned with frescoes, and which offers fine views over the town. The Basilica of San Domenico is a high spiritual place of Siena. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Basilica of San Domenico lies on the hill of Camporegio, in the heart of Siena, reachable on foot. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; entry is generally free, but hours vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why is the Basilica of San Domenico of Siena famous?

For its intimate link with Saint Catherine of Siena, patron saint of Italy and Europe, who frequented this place; the basilica, a great Dominican brick church begun in 1226, keeps venerated relics of the saint and a chapel dedicated to her.

Where is the Basilica of San Domenico of Siena?

On the hill of Camporegio, in the heart of Siena, in Tuscany, in Italy.