Siena has one of the most unique and striking cathedrals that we have ever seen. The Duomo di Siena is a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture and was built between 1215 and 1263. The extravagant façade is constructed of gorgeous white and pink marble.
The interior is constructed of black and white marble, the symbolic colors of Siena.
The in-laid marble mosaic floors are one of the most ornate in Italy and consist of 56 panels in different sizes. The mosaics cover the entire floor and are what really sets the Duomo di Siena apart. Many panels represent scenes from the Old Testament. In The Slaughter of the Innocents panel, Herod sits on a throne on the left-hand side and orders the massacre of all babies to prevent the coming of the Messiah. The mosaic was designed by Sienese Matteo di Giovanni in the late 1400s and includes yellow marble, a Sienese specialty from a nearby quarry.
The She-Wolf of Siena and Symbols of the Allied Cities panel is our favorite and has Siena in the center of the universe orbited by other cities in Tuscany – Pisa, Roma, Lucca. Created in 1373, this panel is one of the oldest in the cathedral.
The library adjacent to the cathedral is called the Piccolomini library and is lined with vivid frescoes that tell the story of the life of Siena’s favorite son, cardinal Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who eventually became Pope Pius II.
The library houses his manuscript collection and precious choir books. The colorful frescoes and gold glowing ceiling make this room breathtaking. The ceiling is covered with paintings portraying mythological subjects.
The special Porta del Cielo (Gate of Heaven) tour when visiting the Duomo was definitely worth the extra ticket cost. We got to climb up the windy staircases that lead to secret passageways just underneath the ceiling and peak through windows to see the cathedral from a unique perspective. Seeing the statues that line the dome at eye level and the great detail put into the ceilings and sprawling mosaic floor is awe-inspiring.
We got a birds-eye view of the altar and marvelous mosaic marble floors right above the main nave.
The famous Gate of Heaven view looking down the length of the cathedral
On the tour through the attic and hidden walkways, we also got great views of another church in town – Church of San Domenico.
Another activity while visiting the Duomo is climbing to the top of the Facciatone for beautiful views of Siena and the countryside.
This wall is the unfinished façade of what was supposed to be the nave of a new, larger Duomo to be the largest in Europe and, of course, out-do nearby rival, Florence. Unfortunately, the Black Plague of 1348 crushed the population of Siena, and the project was never completed. It is a long climb up narrow, spiral staircases but totally worth every step!
In the evening, the Duomo museum offers a 3-D production showcasing the life and history of Siena on this giant marble wall and the side walls.
It was a fun and unique evening activity in Siena. We, of course, are easily pleased with food, so it was a nice touch that they offered complimentary wine and traditional Tuscan treats to munch on during the movie.
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