Basilica of San Domenico, Gothic minor basilica in Siena, Italy.
The Basilica of San Domenico sits on Camporegio hill with a striking brick façade and bell tower that define Siena's skyline. Inside, the space is organized with multiple chapels and side aisles that branch off from the central nave.
Construction began in 1226 when the Malavolti family gave land to the church. Throughout the 1300s, the building grew through several expansions that shaped its Gothic character.
The chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine displays frescoes by Renaissance painter Sodoma that show moments from her life. You can see how deeply this Dominican saint was revered through the care taken in decorating this space.
The building is open daily from early morning until early evening, with free entry for everyone. Be aware that some individual chapels may have restricted access at certain times.
One of the most precious objects here is the head of Saint Catherine, kept in a gilded reliquary behind the altar. This relic draws pilgrims who come to connect with the city's deep link to this revered saint.
Location: Siena
Inception: 1226
Architectural style: Gothic architecture
Part of: Fondo Edifici di Culto
Email: info@basilicacateriniana.com
Website: http://basilicacateriniana.com
GPS coordinates: 43.31986,11.32669
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02
Siena is a Tuscan city built on three hills, where medieval streets wind between brick buildings and open onto piazzas. The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo hosts the Palio horse race twice a year and serves as the town's main gathering place. The Cathedral, with its black-and-white marble facade, stands on one of the highest points. From the top of Torre del Mangia, the city spreads out in all directions, with its terracotta rooftops and surrounding hills visible. Gothic and Renaissance architecture appears throughout the streets, in the form of palaces, churches, fountains and loggias. The Palazzo Pubblico contains frescoes and civic art, while the Pinacoteca Nazionale displays paintings from the Sienese School. The Biblioteca Piccolomini holds illuminated manuscripts. The Basilica of San Domenico rises on a hill, offering views across the rooftops. The Fortezza Medicea and the university botanical garden provide additional perspectives on the city and its landscape. Beyond the center, the Etruscan necropolis at Malignano, Villa di Geggiano with its gardens, and the Chianti sculpture park add to the range of places to explore.
Siena Cathedral
300 m
Piccolomini Library
295 m
Siena Cathedral Pulpit
318 m
Battistero di San Giovanni
288 m
Santuario di Santa Caterina
129 m
Fontebranda
109 m
Cathedral - Crypt
306 m
Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata
340 m
Campanile of the Cathedral of Siena
314 m
Palazzo del Magnifico
314 m
Teatro dei Rozzi
308 m
Hôpital Santa Maria della Scala
219 m
Biblioteca comunale degli Intronati
210 m
Santa Maria delle Nevi, Siena
324 m
Archbishop's Palace
279 m
San Pellegrino alla Sapienza
259 m
Palazzo Tantucci, Siena
348 m
Santa Caterina in Fontebranda
138 m
San Sebastiano in Vallepiatta
279 m
Opera delle Metropolitana
341 m
Porta di Fontebranda
137 m
Palazzo Bindi Sergardi
312 m
Stanze della Memoria
288 m
Santa Caterina del Paradiso
234 m
Piccolomini Library
281 m
Museo archeologico nazionale di Siena
339 m
Basilica Sotterranea (Cripta del Duomo)
305 m
Chiesa del Crocifiso
126 mReviews
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