Siena Cathedral, Gothic cathedral in Piazza del Duomo, Siena, Italy.
Siena Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral located on Piazza del Duomo in Siena, Italy, known for its black and white striped marble pattern. The building includes a main nave with side aisles, a dome over the crossing, and a freestanding bell tower rising beside the main structure.
Construction began in 1196 under the direction of the Opera di Santa Maria and reached its first completion in 1215. In the 14th century, plans for a major expansion were made, but the plague of 1348 and structural problems led to the abandonment of the project.
The façade displays statues and mosaics depicting biblical scenes, bringing together the skills of craftspeople from different centuries. The use of white marble from Carrara and dark green stone from Tuscany ties the building to the region and demonstrates local building traditions.
Entry is through Piazza del Duomo, and visitors should wear appropriate clothing covering shoulders and knees. The paved square can be slippery when wet, and the steps at the entrance require some care.
The Piccolomini Library on the north side houses frescoes with bright blue backgrounds that stand in sharp contrast to the black and white pattern of the rest of the building. The illuminated choir books in this room show elaborate miniatures and calligraphic details from the Renaissance.
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