Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Siena Duomo
Siena's Duomo (1136-1382) is one of the most
spectacular in Italy, and one of the few to have
been built south of the Alps in full Gothic style.
Many ordinary citizens helped to cart the black
and white stone used in its construction from
quarries on the outskirts of the city. In 1339, the
Sienese decided to build a new nave to the south
with the aim of making it the biggest church in
Christendom. This plan came to nothing when
plague hit the city soon afterwards, killing off much
of the population. The uncompleted nave now
contains a museum of Gothic sculpture.
.
Pulpit Panels
Carved by Nicola Pisano in
1265-8, the panels on the
octagonal pulpit depict scenes
from
The Life of Christ.
.
Inlaid Marble Floor
The Massacre of the Innocents
is
one of a series of scenes in the
inlaid marble floor. The marble
is usually uncovered each year,
in September and October.
Nave
Black and
white marble
pillars support
the vault.
Chapel of St John
the Baptist
STAR FEATURES
.
Inlaid Marble Floor
. Piccolomini Library
.
Pulpit Panels by
Pisano
.
Piccolomini Library
Pinturicchio's frescoes (1509)
portray the life of Pope Pius II
(see p226)
. Here he presides
at the betrothal of Frederick
III to Eleonora of Portugal.
