Discover Siena Cathedral
I’ll admit that I’m biased, but this truly is one of the most beautiful churches in all of Italy. You will marvel from floor (yes, the floor!) to ceiling as we admire works by Michelangelo, Pinturicchio, Donatello, Bernini, Nicola Pisano, Beccafumi, Francesco Vanni, and more. Together we shall discover more than 800 years of history and meet a diverse cast of characters along the way. The 16 August Palio is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin, and celebrations take place here after the race.
And don’t forget that the Baptistry, Crypt, and Cathedral Works Museum are all included in the combination ticket (called the OpaSi Pass)!
Sample itinerary:
10.00: Begin at San Domenico. Enter the Basilica together to meet St Catherine of Siena.
10.30: Arrive at Piazza Salimbeni, home to the Monte dei Paschi di Siena (the world’s longest continuously operating bank).
10.45: Practice ordering a coffee at a local bar!
11.00: Continue along to the Piazza del Campo; learn about Siena’s Golden Age and the Palio of Siena.
11.30: Enter the Duomo. Wonder at the decoration as we talk about its construction, architecture, art, and how it is still a vital part of Sienese life today.
12.15: Backstreets walk, hunting for Contrada symbols, and scoping out good lunch places along the way.
13.00: Grazie mille, and enjoy your lunch!
