Duomo in Siena is a one of impressing buildings in Italy. It has been built on the highest point of the city over the ruins of ancient Roman temple. In its interior Duomo holds masterpieces of such artists as Nicolo Pisano, Donatello and Michelangelo.
City’s Cathedral (Duomo) was almost finished in 1215. But soon after, the authorities in Siena began to think how to extend it to highlight the power of the city in the region.
First attempt to do it happened at the beginning of 14 century when below the Duomo was endeavour to build the Baptistery. It was unsuccessful and in city even thought to demolish Duomo and start new building from scratch. But after careful consideration they decided extend Duomo by adding new nave out toward the Campo. It was again unsuccessful and after that city had faced with epidemic of Black Death and all plans about the Cathedral extension were held off.
You can see unfinished part of Duomo at the north side of Campo. Cathedral stands unfinished but it may be the loveliest Cathedral in the world.
It has wonderful mix of the Romanesque and Gothic styles with façade adorned by the lines of white and black marbles (this idea come to the city from Pisa). The low level of Duomo façade adorned by statues of philosophers and prophets designed by great artist Giovanni Pisano. Of course today those statues are replaced by the copies while originals kept in Museo dell’Opera.
The Campanile of the Duomo has been built a century after. In the same century Gothic rose window was added to its façade. Mosaics of the façade were executed only in 19th century by Venetian artists. One of the main attractions of the Duomo – is its floor which adorned by the panels which portray biblical scenes.
These panels were executed between 1349 and 1547 and almost all artists of the Siena who lived in this period tried to pay their contribution to this work.
Another masterpiece of Duomo in Siena – is a pulpit which has been designed by Nicola Pisano in 1268 soon after he had finished the similar work in Pisa. Next to it there is Tino di Camaino’s Tomb of Cardinal Petroni which became the standard for the tomb’s design in Italy in next few centuries.
Young Michelangelo had carved statues of four saints of the Duomo’s altar. He had to create another ten statues but he left the city because was hired by Florentines to create the statue of David.
In the Renaissance cappella of di San Giovanni Battista you can see Baptis by Donatello which has been cast in 1457. Don’t miss the murals of this chapel designed by Pinturicchio.
Last magnificent work in Duomo – is Cappella Chigi, or Cappella del Voto which has been built by Bernini as bequeathing of Pope Alexander VII who was born in Siena.
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