A Step Closer to Heaven: the "Ceiling" of the Siena Cathedral is now Open!
April 12, 2013/in Blog/by Brett
THE GATE OF HEAVEN (“Divina Bellezza”) -- the upper storeys of Siena's cathedral are now open
From April 6 – October 27, 2013, you can see the “sky” of the Siena cathedral, as well as a series of rooms never open to the public.
The Cathedral (Duomo) of Siena is one of the most beautiful in Italy. It not only has its share of sculptural masterpieces (Michelangelo, Donatello, Nicola Pisano, Bernini), but it also has a sumptuous fresco cycle by Pinturicchio as well as a unique floor that is completely covered with marble marquetry. Following lengthy restoration, visitors will now be able to admire the “heavens” of the cathedral, from the starry night of the cupola to a series of rooms that have never been open to the public.
You ascend to the top of the cathedral via a winding staircase in the towers that flank the façade, and from there you can look down on the floor below. You can also admire the polychrome stained glass windows depicting the Apostles by Ulisse De Matteis. From the left aisle you have a view outside onto the “skyline” of the Basilica of San Domenico, the Medici Fortress, the dome of the Chapel of Saint John the Baptist, and out onto the surrounding countryside. Finally, you enter behind the façade onto the balcony that looks out into the piazza and across to the Hospital of Santa Maria della Scala. From here you have a view back into the nave, looking out onto the heads of popes, emperors, and philosophers of the ancient world.
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It took 200 years to finish the floor![/caption]
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The facade is made entirely from local marble[/caption]
Tickets (by reservation only) Full: €25.00 Group: €400.00 (max 17 pax)
Information and Booking Tel. +39 0577 286300 (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm) Email: opasiena@operalaboratori.com
While you're in Siena, don't forget to have a drink in the Piazza del Campo, and come for a walk or bike ride with us in the beautiful countryside! [caption id="attachment_7459" align="alignright" width="150"]
The majestic tower of the City Hall[/caption]
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Find out what the Palio horse race is all about[/caption]
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Springtime poppies[/caption]
