The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, one of Italy's most prestigious Romanesque-Gothic churches, was consecrated in 1179 by Pope Alexander II. Construction continued for two centuries, culminating in the beginning of expansion in 1317. However, the plague of 1348 interrupted this ambitious project, leaving traces of the columns and the large Facciatone as evidence of an unfinished work.
Exterior and Interior
The imposing facade, in white marble with decorations in Siena red and Prato serpentine, is divided into two parts. The lower half, in Romanesque-Gothic style, was created by Giovanni Pisano. The interior, dominated by black and white bicromia, houses priceless masterpieces, including the pulpit by Nicola Pisano and four sculptures by Michelangelo in the Piccolomini altar.


Piccolomini Library and Statues
The Piccolomini Library, built in 1492, houses a rich heritage of literary works collected by Pope Pius II. Eight bronze statues by Domenico Beccafumi adorn the pillars of the choir, above which is a copy of Duccio di Buoninsegna's famous stained glass window.
Marble Inlaid Floor
Finally, the most extraordinary work housed inside the Cathedral: the marble inlaid floor. This unique work is divided into 56 panels representing the Revelation. The oldest panels date back to the second half of the 14th century, while the most recent ones are from the 19th century.
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Cathedral of Siena

A Masterpiece of Elegancy
Call
+39 0577 283048
mail
operaduomo@operaduomo.siena.it
route
Piazza Duomo, 8, Siena
Web site
https://operaduomo.siena.it/

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