Magnificent Mosaic Floor…for a limited time only!
2013
The Duomo in Siena
Siena Cathedral, or the ‘Duomo di Siena’ is one of the most impressive buildings in this beautiful Tuscan city, and a Siena excursion is not complete without paying it a visit. Completed between 1215 and 1263, it has one of the most fascinating facades in all of Italy, as well as incredible examples of Renaissance art and stunning stained-glass windows. But it’s not just the walls which hold all the beauty; look down at your feet and you may see something pretty special too!
The interior of this cathedral is nothing short of striking, as the black and white striped marble is truly incredible to witness. You can also see works by Donatello and Michelangelo, as well as the stunning stained-glass window depicting the Last Supper. However, the architectural and artistic beauty of this place also extends to the floor, as Siena Cathedral is home to an inlaid marble mosaic floor, which is one of the most ornate of its kind throughout the whole of Italy.
Created between the 14th and 16th centuries, this breath-taking floor is made up of 56 panels, all in different sizes. You can understand why it took so long to construct, as it literally covers the whole of the cathedral floor. Around 40 artists contributed to the mosaic floor, including the Sienese artists Sassetta and Domenico di Bartolo, and one of the most famous and oldest panels is the ‘She-Wolf of Siena’, created in 1373.
These wonderful mosaics depict biblical narratives and represent scenes from the Old Testament in green, blue and red marble, as well as black and white, which are the symbolic colours of Siena. But, you’d be wrong to think that these mosaics are on show all year round; they can only be seen over a short period each year, from August 18th- October 24th. For the remainder of the year, they are covered up by a carpet, and only a few are on display to the public. So why not plan your Siena tour during these months, and make sure you don’t miss out on the incredible opportunity to see one of the most beautiful floors ever to be constructed?
If you’re looking for a great guided tour in Tuscany, then why not take part in one of our Siena tours from Florence, which includes some of the best Tuscan locations. Take an excursion through the gorgeous Chianti countryside, enjoy an informative guided tour through Siena’s medieval streets before stopping off to see the Siena Cathedral and its elaborate mosaic floor, and finally pay a visit to the medieval town of San Gimignano. What are you waiting for?