Siena Cathedral - Duomo in Siena
Siena's Duomo is one of the most impressive Gothic
cathedrals in Italy. Its facade is made of marbles,
painted tympana and gargoyles. It is one of the most spectacular
and colourful examples of the style anywhere in the
world. With this the campanile, built in 1313, is decorated with mighty
black-and-white banding (the heraldic colours of Siena),
adds a domineering Romanesque presence.
Plans and ConstructionBreathtaking
as it is, what we see today is only half of what the
medieval Sienese hoped to achieve. In 1339, after the facade was finished, the exterior of the
Duomo, was completed, plans were implemented that would
see the building more than doubled in size. The entire
cathedral was to be converted into a mere transept
of the new construction. The proposed result set
to dwarf any religious edifice in existence.
The Black Death Scuppers PlansHowever,
these plans were promptly dashed by the Black Death,
which ravaged the city in 1348. It decimated the population
and devoured civic funds.
The half-finished walls is what now remains of the extension's beginnings. They can be
seen to the south of the Duomo, now surrounding the car
park. Despite their rudimentary state, they, along
with the cathedral, are a testament to Siena's golden
age of influence and prosperity.
Inside the Duomo
A treasure trove of Tuscan art awaits visitors inside. The most
celebrated feature is the immense marble floor, which
covers the entire internal surface area. This production began around 1370.
56 Panels on the Marble Floor
It took nearly 200 years to complete and comprises
56 separate panels depicting; biblical scenes, religious
symbols, civic emblems and even episodes from Roman
mythology. Over 40 artists contributed including; Matteo
di Giovanni, Domenico di Bartolo, Pinturicchio, Domenico
Beccafumi (creator of 35 scenes), and many other great
names from the Sienese School.
Although much
of the floor is covered for the majority of the year
for conservation purposes, it is revealed to the
public for a two-month period (Sept-Oct). During this
time a small admission is charged, as opposed
to the rest of the year, when it is free.
The Pulpit
Another of the Duomo's exalted pieces is the Pulpit. This was created in the 13th
century by Nicola Pisano and his son, Giovanni Pisano. They had recently installed similar constructions in
Pisa's Baptistery and Duomo, respectively.
Like Pisa's,
the pulpit's rostrum frieze depicts the Life of Christ. It is
supported by granite-and-marble pillars on top of lions
and lionesses.
Downstairs for the Baptistry and FontSiena's Baptistry can
be found underneath the cathedral. It is well worth
exploring for its hexagonal baptismal font. The gilded
brass bas-reliefs include; Annunciation to Zacharias
by Jacopo della Quercia, Baptism of Christ by Ghiberti,
and Donatello's The Feast of Herod.
Further work from
the latter can be admired in the Chapel of Saint John
the Baptist. where a statue of the Saint occupies the
hindmost recess, amidst ornate Renaissance decor.
Frescos in the Piccolomini LibraryAdjoining
the cathedral is the Piccolomini Library, which can
be entered for €3. It's home to some gigantic
frescoes by Pinturicchio, purportedly based on designs
by Raphael.
The paintings tell the story of Siena's
favourite son, Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who became Pope Pius II. His life is chronicled in 10 stages. It begins with his leaving for the Council of Basel
mid a portentous storm. The story culminates with his arrival
in Ancona and the launching of a crusade.
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