Siena Cathedral

The Cathedral of Siena

The Cathedral of Siena, the Duomo, is one of the jewels of medieval Italy, a masterpiece of Gothic art with polychrome marbles. The Siena audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this sumptuous sanctuary, with a dazzling façade and a unique marble floor.

The Duomo, masterpiece of medieval Italy

Difficult to imagine Siena without its cathedral. The Duomo di Siena is one of the jewels of medieval Italy, a work at once religious, political and artistic that marked the history of the town. Its construction began in the thirteenth century, on the site of a former Romanesque church, and extended over nearly two hundred years. From the exterior, the façade impresses by its decorative profusion: white, black and red marbles, Gothic sculptures and golden mosaics. Inside, the famous black and white stripes of the columns and the walls, emblematic colours of Siena, create a striking effect. The cathedral holds inestimable treasures: a marquetry marble floor of exceptional richness, composed of dozens of figurative panels, the pulpit sculpted by Nicola Pisano, works of Donatello, Michelangelo and Bernini, and the splendid Piccolomini Library adorned with frescoes of Pinturicchio. A major sanctuary and a summit of art, the Cathedral of Siena is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the Gothic masterpiece of medieval Italy, with a façade of white, black and red marbles adorned with sculptures and golden mosaics, with an interior striped in black and white, and with its treasures: the marquetry marble floor, the pulpit of Nicola Pisano, works of Donatello, Michelangelo and Bernini, and the Piccolomini Library with frescoes of Pinturicchio. The Cathedral of Siena is a summit of art. It is a major stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Cathedral of Siena lies in the heart of the historic centre, reachable on foot. A place of worship and a masterpiece, it can be visited with respect for services; access and hours follow their own conditions, which vary with the season. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why is the Cathedral of Siena famous?

For being a masterpiece of medieval Italy, with a façade of polychrome marbles and an interior striped in black and white, and for its treasures: its marquetry marble floor, the pulpit of Nicola Pisano, works of Donatello, Michelangelo and Bernini, and the Piccolomini Library with frescoes of Pinturicchio.

Where is the Cathedral of Siena?

In the heart of the historic centre of Siena, in Tuscany, in Italy.