The Catherine Basilica of San Domenico in Siena

The Cateriniana Basilica of San Domenico is one of the most significant churches in the city of Siena. The church is located halfway between Della Sapienza and Piazzale di San Domenico, partially protected by trees and the surrounding nature.

It is an emotionally very significant monument for the Sienese, as it contains the head-relic of Saint Catherine of Siena. The relic is placed inside a chapel made specifically to contain it, decorated with the beautiful frescoes of Sodom.

Visiting the Basilica you can feel the strong link with history, the passing of the years, and the magical atmosphere linked to the presence of the saint's relics. A place where past and present come together, creating a perfect and unique mix, pleasant to live in.

A few historical notes

The Basilica of San Domenico carries with it an extremely troubled history, marked by earthquakes, looting, and reconstructions. Since its original construction, which took place around 1265, the Church has undergone small and continuous transformations that have brought it to its current appearance.

During the 1300s and 1400s, the Basilica transformed thanks to the addition of Gothic elements, completely in line with the time.

Unfortunately, the structure suffered several damages due to three successive fires - the last in 1531 with the consequent reconstruction by Domenico Cinquini - and subsequent military occupations.

At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the intervention was made to renovate the bell tower, which was lowered to its current height and equipped with a crenelated crowning. The rest of the Basilica has remained practically intact, with the only addition of modern stained glass windows with the "Story of Saint Catherine" made by Bruno Cassinari.

Description of the church

The Basilica of San Domenico is a splendid brick building in perfect Gothic style. The entrance, unlike many other basilicas, is located on the left side of the church. More or less in the middle of the central nave is the Chapel dedicated to Santa Caterina, built in 1460 to house the Finger and the Sacred Head of the Saint.

The chapel is characterized by the presence of an imposing marble altar, where the sacred relics are still kept.

St. Catherine is, together with St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of Italy. For the Sienese, this Basilica is a very important place of worship, where they can address their prayers in the hope that they will be welcomed by the Saint.

In addition to religious reasons, the Church of San Domenico deserves to be visited for its interior. The works of important painters are found along the walls of the side aisles, illuminated by the sun that penetrates through the windows.

Above all, one remembers the Ecstasy of Saint Catherine and Saint Catherine who falls stunned after receiving the stigmata, both painted by Sodoma (the painter Giovanni Antonio Bazzi).