Experience the architectural splendor of Siena Cathedral, one of the most impressive examples of Gothic architecture in Italy. This guided tour will provide you with an in-depth look at the cathedral's history, art, and the intricate marble mosaic floor, which is uncovered for limited periods each year. Admire the pulpit by Nicola Pisano, marvel at the ornate frescoes, and see works by Donatello, Bernini, and Michelangelo. The cathedral is also home to the Piccolomini Library, with its vivid frescoes and a collection of illuminated choir books. The guide will share fascinating stories and secrets of the cathedral, which has stood as a symbol of Siena's wealth and devotion since the 13th century.
The Siena Cathedral's floor is one of the most extraordinary examples of a storytelling mosaic floor in the world, and it is only fully uncovered and visible to the public during certain times of the year. This activity allows visitors the rare opportunity to admire the detailed biblical stories and allegorical figures that are masterfully crafted in marble. It's a mesmerizing artwork that comprises 56 panels designed by various artists from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Witnessing the full glory of the floor is an unforgettable experience and offers insight into the rich religious and artistic history that Siena harbors. The activity is often not time-restricted as visitors can observe at their own pace, but overall viewing could last approximately 30 minutes to an hour.
The Piccolomini Library is an integral part of the Siena Cathedral that houses a priceless collection of illuminated manuscripts. The walls and ceiling are decorated with breathtaking frescoes painted by Pinturicchio, and his young pupil Raphael likely contributed to some of the work. During this visit, you'll be enveloped in a riot of colors depicting scenes from the life of Enea Silvio Piccolomini (Pope Pius II) and allegorical representations of the liberal arts. The illuminated choir books on display showcase the masterful art of medieval manuscript illumination, and are an exceptional example of the skill and craftsmanship of the time. The books' vibrant, gold-leaf detailed illuminations are a testament to the wealth and cultural importance of Siena during the Renaissance.
The Facciatone is the large unfinished façade of the New Cathedral (Duomo Nuovo). Climbing the Facciatone is an exhilarating activity that offers some of the best panoramic views of Siena and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. As you make your way up the narrow passageways and stairs, you will sense the history and ambition behind this grand project that was never completed due to the outbreak of the Black Plague. Standing atop this unfinished structure, visitors are rewarded with a unique urban landscape viewpoint, and on a clear day, visibilities extend for miles, providing a stunning photographic opportunity and a new perspective on the city.
The Siena Cathedral regularly hosts spiritual and cultural events, one of which is the hauntingly beautiful Gregorian chant performances. These performances, often by the cathedral's own choir, transport visitors back to medieval times when these chants would echo through the cathedral's halls daily. The acoustics of the cathedral amplify the choir's voices, allowing the melodic chants to resonate throughout the nave, creating an ethereal atmosphere. This activity not only provides musical enjoyment but also offers a moment of meditation and reflection, surrounded by the cathedral's awe-inspiring art and architecture.
Located just beneath the cathedral's choir, the Baptistery of San Giovanni is an essential part of the Siena Cathedral complex. A visit to this under-appreciated gem will reveal a magnificent baptismal font, adorned with bronze sculptures by Renaissance masters Donatello, Ghiberti, and Jacopo della Quercia. The walls are lined with frescoes by Vecchietta and others, depicting scenes from the Life of John the Baptist. The combination of art, history, and sacredness in the Baptistery offers a deep and moving insight into the medieval religious life of Siena. The serene environment makes for a reflective experience as you witness the place where Sienese citizens have been baptized for centuries.
The Museum of the Opera del Duomo is located in the right aisle of the cathedral's planned extension, which was never finished. A visit to this museum will take you through a collection of artworks originally located in the cathedral, offering a deeper understanding of the cultural and artistic history of Siena. The museum hosts masterpieces such as Duccio di Buoninsegna's Maestà and the stained glass window from the cathedral's apse, crafted by Duccio. You'll also have the opportunity to see other sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts that once adorned the cathedral, presenting a chronological journey through Sienese art and its development.
The Porta del Cielo, or Gate of Heaven Tour, offers a unique experience to explore the unseen rooftop areas of the Siena Cathedral. This exclusive tour takes you to the 'heavens' of the cathedral, areas above the star-spangled vault, which are not normally accessible to the public. Visitors can stroll along the walkway to admire the high-altitude architecture and enjoy stunning views from the windows that overlook the nave below. This tour provides a heavenly perspective of the cathedral's interior as well as external views across the cityscape of Siena, offering an unparalleled vantage point of the medieval city and its surrounding hills.
Attending a mass at the Siena Cathedral is an opportunity to participate in a living tradition and to experience the cathedral as a place of worship. The mass, conducted in Italian, is enhanced by the sacred setting, featuring Gregorian chants or choir singing, incense, and the solemnity of liturgical rites. It's an immersive experience that engages all the senses, allowing visitors to experience the devotion and spiritual communion of the local Catholic community. Attending mass here is not only a religious activity but also a cultural experience that provides insight into the role the cathedral continues to play in the everyday life of Siena's citizens.
For art enthusiasts and those interested in learning about traditional art techniques, participating in a fresco painting workshop in the vicinity of Siena Cathedral can be an enriching activity. These workshops, which may occasionally be available, provide hands-on instruction in the methods and artistry of fresco painting—a technique often used during the time when many of the cathedral's artworks were created. Visitors have a chance to create their mini fresco, guided by a professional artist or art historian. This activity offers a deep dive into a historic art form, leaving participants with a greater appreciation for the works adorning the cathedral's walls and their own piece of art to take home.
Beaches (1)
Religious Places (2)
Historical Places (80)
Museums (28)
Villages (1)
Zoos (1)
Island (4)
Gardens (4)
