Siena's Cathedral was built between 1215 and 1263 and was designed by Nicola Pisano and his son, Giovanni continued the design when more building was undertaken from 1285. The upper half of the facade was not added until 14th century, a time of great wealth and prosperity for Siena. At the time, plans were considered to transform the church into a giant masterpiece that could even rival the mammoth St. Peter's in Rome, with the existing building forming transept of this huge imagined cathedral. However, this ambitious project sadly never came to pass as work was halted by the arrival of the Black Death in the city in 1348, which decimated the population of the town. Walls of the new cathedral still remain but are only a shell of the intended finished product.
Despite this, the rich and beautiful Tuscan church is still a gem and an important tourist attraction for those who have found a villa with pool in Siena and are planning a visit to the city.
Despite this, the rich and beautiful Tuscan church is still a gem and an important tourist attraction for those who have found a villa with pool in Siena and are planning a visit to the city.
Gothic in style, the building is elaborately embellished inside and out. The exterior is particularly memorable for its anachronistically Romanesque black-and-white striped campanile dating to 1313. Other highlights of the facade are the south transept's Porto del Perdono (Door of Forgiveness) with its medallion bust of the Virgin and Child by Donatello, the north side of the cathedral's stone set into the wall and inscribed with the mysterious Sator Square and Pisano's statues of Greek philosophers, Jewish prophets, pagan Sibyls, lions and griffins, the mosaics and bronze door depicting the Glorification of the Virgin, which was made in 1958 by Enrico Manfrini.
Parts of the facade were restored in the 19th century, under the supervision of Giuseppe Partini, and again after World War II. The statues were moved to the Museo dell'Opera in the 60s for preservation, which sadly means that you cannot see the real Donatello in person but this was necessary for the sake of preserving the art!
Parts of the facade were restored in the 19th century, under the supervision of Giuseppe Partini, and again after World War II. The statues were moved to the Museo dell'Opera in the 60s for preservation, which sadly means that you cannot see the real Donatello in person but this was necessary for the sake of preserving the art!
The interior is no less stunning. With its soaring height, black-and-white striped pillars and ornate decorations everywhere, it dazzles upon entrance. There are masterpieces at every turn. The north transept is home to a bronze statue by Donatello of an emaciated St. John the Baptist, a companion piece to his Mary Magdalene in Florence. In the south transept there are paintings of St. Jerome and St. Mary Magdalene by Bernini and the high altar is flanked by angels by Beccafumi. The pavement of Siena Cathedral is famous and features 59 etched and inlaid marble panels created from 1372 to 1547 and include images of sibyls, scenes from Sienese history, and biblical scenes.
The whole church is one of the great artistic gems of Tuscany and an absolute must-see for art lovers visiting Siena.
The whole church is one of the great artistic gems of Tuscany and an absolute must-see for art lovers visiting Siena.
