Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ing the 12 statues of prophets and philosophers by Giovanni Pisano that decorated the
facade. Their creator designed them to be viewed from ground level, which is why they
look so distorted as they crane uncomfortably forward.
The museum's highlight is Duccio di Buoninsegna's striking
Maestà
(1311), which was
painted on both sides as a screen for the
duomo'
s high altar. The main painting portrays
the Virgin surrounded by angels, saints and prominent Sienese citizens of the period; the
rear panels (sadly incomplete) portray scenes from the Passion of Christ.
Battistero di San Giovanni
(Piazza San Giovanni; admission €4; 10.30am-6.30pm Mon-Sat, 1.30-5.30pm Sun Mar-Oct, to 5pm
Nov-Feb )
Behind the
duomo
and down a steep flight of steps is the Baptistry, which is
richly decorated with frescoes. At its centre is a hexagonal marble font by Jacopo della
Quercia decorated with bronze panels depicting the life of St John the Baptist by artists in-
cluding Lorenzo Ghiberti
(Baptism of Christ
and
St John in Prison)
and Donatello
(The
Head of John the Baptist Being Presented to Herod)
.
BAPTISTRY
Cripta
CRYPT
(Piazza San Giovanni; admission incl audioguide €6; 10.30am-6.30pm Mon-Sat, 1.30-5.30pm Sun Mar-
Oct, to 5pm Nov-Feb )
This crypt below the cathedral's pulpit was rediscovered and restored
in 1999 after having been filled to the roof with debris in the 1300s. The walls are com-
pletely covered with
pintura a secco
(dry painting) dating back to the 1200s.
Panorama del Facciatone
TOWER
( 10.30am-6.30pm Mon-Sat, 1.30-5.30pm Sun Mar-Oct)
For a great panoramic view, haul your-
self up the 131-step, narrow corkscrew stairway to this panorama at the top of the facade
of the never-finished Duomo Nuovo (New Cathedral). Entrance is included in the Museo
dell'Opera ticket.
Complesso Museale
Santa Maria della Scala
(
www.santamariadellascala.com
;
Piazza del Duomo 1; adult/reduced/child under 11 €6/3.50/free;
10.30am-4pm, to 6.30pm in high season)
This former hospital, parts of which date from the 13th
century, was built as a hospice for pilgrims travelling the Via Francigena, a route from
CULTURAL BUILDING
