The stats are in. I should never post late at night.
I got the history of Siena’s Cathedral mixed up in my last post.
The cathedral we see today was built between 1215 and 1263. Years later, the Sienese planned to build an addition which would make Siena’s cathedral the largest in the world. The addition was started on the south side in 1339, as a perpendicular extension to the 1215 cathedral. There would be a new nave and two aisles, centered on the high altar, more than doubling the space of the original cathedral. However, in 1348 the plague overtook Siena and work stopped on the cathedral.
Construction never resumed. However, the nave, floor and 3 partial walls remain.
The floor serves as a parking lot, and the walls stand as tall and proud as the Sienese.
Siena’s Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) is a delight for the eyes. It is built in the French Gothic, Classic, and Romanesque Architectural styles. The sight of the cathedral is breathtaking and stunning. The cathedral is covered in black and white polychrome marble panels. Black and white are the symbolic colors of Siena. The facade is covered with beautiful details: three arched portals, sunbursts, sculptures, patriarchs, prophets, mosaics, gargoyles, and cut tiles.
Click on a photo to begin the scrolling gallery. Enjoy!
If you want to learn more about Duomo di Siena, click here.
Stay tuned for the interior of this fabulous cathedral!
Thanks for visiting!
Judy
jayjaysfavorites 
Wow. Lovely, lovely… I particularly love the last picture. Thanks again for the trip! 🙂
My favorite too, zelmare! Thanks!
Lovely post and images Judy. The detail in the building is beautiful.
Thanks, Jim! I stand in awe gazing at the incredible number of sculptures, mosaics, etc. It’s truly a work of art.
Loving your photos – thanks for sharing:) Have a Beautiful Weekend!
Hi Renee! Thank you and have a great weekend too!
What a spectacular cathedral, Judy. That looks like an archangel on top of the spire.
It does to me also, AD. Thank you for your nice comment! It is such a magical place.
Maginificent. The cathedral’s design is just amazing.
Isn’t that gorgeous? I”m not happy with my photos…but I dearly love Siena’s cathedral. I’m working on the inside of it now. Truly spectacular.
Beautiful images Judy! We have been there a long time ago, but I had forgotten the details and my pictures are faded. Thank you for sharing yours 🙂
YW, Madhu. I agree! It’s amazing the difference between my photos from 2002 and this year, also! The cameras have improved so much!
This cathedral is breathtaking, so grand and majestic. Standing in front of a building that was built in the 11th century must be so impressive ! Now I imagine the interior, it must be sublime ! What wonderful things you saw on that trip Judy ! I really enjoyed these photos, it’s like I’m travelling with you !
I’m so happy you feel that way! That’s what I was hoping people would feel like…as if they were there! Thanks, Jocelyne!
Beautiful pictures! It was raining when I was in Siena so it’s nice to see it in the sunshine 🙂
Thanks, Meg! Don’t you just love that black and white? Just awe-striking.