The Duomo di Siena is one of the most visually appealing cathedrals in Italy...a place where art…read moreand devotion converge in extraordinary harmony. Towering over Piazza del Duomo in Siena's historic center, the cathedral immediately commands attention with its distinctive dramatic blackandwhite striped marble façade, a color scheme that reflects the ancient symbols of the city itself. While we have seen many beautiful Italian cathedrals, this one is one of the most unique ones. Stepping inside the cathedral is awe-inspiring and completely breathtaking. Unlike many cathedrals whose beauty lies primarily on the exterior, Siena's Duomo interior is splendid and grand. The interior is lavishly decorated with striped marble columns, gilded details, sculptures, and frescoes that make the space feel more like a grand art gallery than a traditional church. While indelible photographs are forever etched in our minds, our tour guide discouraged us from taking photos inside the cathedral. One of the cathedral's greatest highlights is its marble inlaid floor, created over several centuries by dozens of artists. Often described as one of the most beautiful cathedral floors in the world, it features intricate biblical scenes and moral lessons created in marble mosaic. When you view such beauty, it feels bigger than yourself. Majestic!

We were lucky enough to see the cathedral in October when the floors were uncovered and it was…read moretruly a sight to see. Absolutely worth the visit and make sure to go to the top of the bell tower during your visit for a spectacular view and a great photo opportunity.

Since we were in the area, we made a quick stop to see the San Domenico Basilica. High on a hill,…read moreviews of Siena make for some nice pics. It was getting late in the afternoon by the time we reached it, as the sun hid behind the massive brick exterior and created refreshing, cool shadows. The exterior is somewhat plain, but makes up in size what it lacks in ornamentation. More of the same inside (the Dominicans aren't known for a love of bling), but pilgrims might appreciate the relics of St. Catherine. I'm not really into spare body parts, but others can find Catherine's thumb and - behind secure bars - her head! (Eew) The church has a no photos/videos policy, so no photographic memories of the interior.

my #1 favorite spot in siena for basilica-loitering. monumental & blessedly quiet compared to the…read moremadhouse that is il duomo in the center of town. un'opportunita' per tranquillita' da non perdere! dedicated to the patron saint of siena, santa caterina, the structure of the basilica is simple, with gothic windows & a bell tower that actually still tolls. it houses some amazing art along with relics of the saint, including her dried up finger (blech!), personal self-flagellation paraphernalia (cool!) & her head, mounted & displayed in a cappella (creepy!). once you've finished your divine encounter inside, seat yourself on the steps outside & escape the crazy tuscan heat in the shadow of the basilica. the crypt opens for sunday mass. bring the whole family! & for caterina's sake, please, cover them shoulders!

Very cool church. There are so many cool churches throughout the country it gets to be…read moreoverwhelming. This one s a little creepy with the relics inside.

The building itself isn't so big compared to others but the courtyard around it is hugeeee! There…read moreare many souvenir vendors by it. People sit by the stairs in front of the entrance to relax. There seems to be a police or government building on the right side and a small downhill slope that leads into the narrow streets of Siena in the left side.

If possible, this duomo is even more amazing than the duomo in Florence. The frescoes and statues…read moredefinitely rival the well-known ones in the Renaissance city, and the artwork equals, if not exceeds, its rival. The bonus here is that the crowds are smaller and Siena is so charming, and the locals are so friendly. The cathedral and museums are definitely worth the trip to this lovely city.

One thing you start learning when you go to Italy, there are a lot of amazing Cathedrals, this is…read moreno exception! The highlight of this cathedral for me was being able to go all the way up and have a view of the entire city! It was beautiful. You can see the city square from here, which is also huge. It can get pretty packed after 12pm, so I recommend trying to come around 10:30am right when it opens!

Santuario Casa di Santa Caterina is the original home of Saint Catherine, Siena's famous saint. My…read morewife, having recently read a book about Catherine, wanted to make sure we stopped by. My strained knees didn't appreciate the steep downhill couple blocks to get here, but the home is a quiet, peaceful escape from other hectic tourist stops. Of course, it was probably much more humble in Catherine's time, but as a main pilgrimage destination since the 15th century, everything has been lovingly restored (and enhanced). Inside, highlights of Catherine's life are depicted in numerous paintings. Catherine's home is only a few blocks away from San Domenico if you are visiting that church.