The Cathedral of Siena
Built in Roman-Gothic Italian style, it is one of the most important and beautiful churches that were built with this style in Italy. It is the episcopal seat of the metropolitan archdiocese of Siena-Colle di Val d’Elsa-Montalcino.
History and structure of the Cathedral of Siena.
The Cathedral of Siena has four towers, and one of these is the bell tower. It is not yet certain what was the date of consecration of the cathedral, there are various opinions ranging in contrast, however, the most credible one seems it is dated back to 1229. The tradition, however, says that the cathedral has become basilica on 18th November 1179.
The bell tower is about 77 meters high and was finished in 1313. The building was expanded years later, in 1316, under the direction of Camaino di Crescentino, and then later it was further enlarged by Giovanni d’Agostino, architect and sculptor, who changed the central nave in a double aisle transept at hexagonal cross covered by the dome, and the facade was oriented to the south.
The works, however, were interrupted in June 1357, and some parts were left unfinished, this due to different factors that hindered the success of the work: the plague of 1348 and unfortunately also some structural collapses of some parts.
The structure of the cathedral is Latin cross, it has three huge naves, a beautiful marble floor on which you can see pictured the 17 Sibyls who were divided into three groups: Italic, Ionic and oriental. While the nave has a overhead flutter which shows the busts of popes.
The Baptistery was built by Camaino di Crescentino between 1316 and 1325.
The style is Gothic, and the top of the facade was left unfinished. Inside there is the beautiful hexagonal baptismal font made of marble, bronze and enamel. As regards the hall, it is divided into three aisles by two columns, and is decorated with fresco.