The impressive and harsh basilica of San Domenico is one of the most important churches of Siena. It is this massive building of red stone with a low crenellated tower you see on the hill, when you drive to the city from the side of the fortress of the Medici. Similar to the ancient knight's castle, the basilica is the dominant foreground in the panorama of the city, while the distant Duomo is the focus of the second plan

The church on the hill of Camporegio was built by Dominican monks in the middle of the 13th century, and the construction took more than 40 years . A century later the basilica was expanded and its present appearance acquired in 1465 g . History of the Basilica of San Domenico is inextricably linked the life of the most revered saint in the city (and throughout the country) - Catherine of Siena . The saint who lived in the 14th century was famous for the rare even for those times asceticism and self-denial, as well as asceticism, religious ecstasy and visions . Saints held outside the walls of the basilica most of life . There is a reliquary with her personal belongings, here are the most valuable of her manuscripts and the main relic - holy relics: the head and finger .

In 1798 the church was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake, but then it was restored. Its unapproachable and even gloomy appearance outside is typical for the medieval architecture of those religious orders that vowed not to seek material prosperity. In addition, presumably, during the construction of the basilica, the characteristics of the defensive fortification were deliberately given, suggesting a war with the Florentines. So, there is no main facade at the Basilica of San Domenico at all.

In the interior of the church are kept original treasures. It is an altar of the 15th century by the work of di Stefano for the holy relics in the Chapel of St. Catherine, whose walls are painted with frescoes of the famous Siena masters - the brothers Giovanni, Sodoma, di Giorgio Martini. In the crypt of the chapel is also the most believed to be a faithful portrait of the holy Vanni brush (17th century). On the marble slabs of the 15th century floor, one can see images of animals and Orpheus, believed to be works of di Giorgio.

Other premises of the basilica also abound with the works of famous masters: Folly, Vanni, Volpi, Matteo di Giovanni, di Giorgio Martini, Lorenzetti. Of particular value is the work of Guido da Siena, the founder of the Siena school of painting: it is the Maesta, which the artist wrote for five years and completed in 1270

Address: Siena, Piazza San Domenico, 53100.

Basilica of San Domenico in Siena

Basilica San Domenico in Siena at night

Basilica of San Domenico in Siena, view from the city

Inside the Basilica of San Domenico in Siena

Entrance to the Basilica of San Domenico in Siena

Gallery, Basilica of San Domenico in Siena