The Siena Cathral was built on the initiative of the citizens of Siena on the site of an old temple. It was to become a symbol of the city’s strength and prosperity. The construction of the cathral took place between 1215 and 1263, and the author of the project was Niccolò Pisano.
Siena Cathral has the shape of a Latin cross The square
With a slightly protruding transept. The dome of the cathral is on an octagonal base, with white and black marble. According to legend, the special database of Siena, Senius and Ascius, arriv here on white and black horses, so these colors are traditionally the symbols of the city.
Siena flourish in the mid-14th century. In 1339, a plan was adopt to expand the cathral and under the direction of Giovanni di Agostino, construction of a new nave began. However, the city was hit by an epidemic of bubonic plague, which kill 80% of the population of Siena. The construction work was never complet, but the already erect walls of the New Cathral were abandon. In the 19th century, the cathral underwent a major reconstruction and a gold mosaic appear on the façade.
The western facade of Siena
Cathral is decorat with sculptures and bas-reliefs depicting prophets and ancient Greek philosophers, as well as lions and griffins. The frieze of the central portal tells the story of the Virgin Mary.
On the floor at the entrance to the Siena Cathral is the cathral’s most ancient landmark – a marble floor panel of 56 color scenes. It depicts the Wheel of Fortune, as well as the symbol of the city of Siena – a she-wolf suckling the infants Romulus and Remus.
Like the bell tower, the columns inside
The cathral are decorat with black and the four people carrying marble. All the walls are completely cover with bright china leads on religious subjects. The most important masterpieces of the cathral are sculptures by great Italian masters.