Cripta del Duomo di Siena (Crypt of Siena Cathedral), Siena (must see)
The Crypt of Siena Cathedral, found beneath the Cathedral of Siena in Italy, is a valuable archaeological and artistic discovery made as recently as 1999. Unlike the original crypt believed to be under the cathedral鈥檚 dome, this crypt is a vast space containing remnants dating back to the medieval period, especially from the 12th to the 14th centuries.
Rediscovered during restoration work by the Opera del Duomo, the aim was to uncover the Oratory of Saints Giovannino and Gennaro, located beneath the cathedral's choir. During excavation, a room filled with inert material was found, likely filled in the 14th century due to structural issues halting a cathedral expansion project. This unintentional preservation left the crypt remarkably intact.
Inside, there are thirteenth-century frescoes known for their vibrant colors, preserved due to being sealed shortly after creation. These frescoes depict biblical scenes in two tiers: the upper tier shows Old Testament scenes, while the lower tier features New Testament stories, including scenes of the Passion of Christ. The frescoes offer insight into medieval art and the Sienese school of mural painting. Ongoing studies aim to precisely date and attribute them, which could greatly contribute to medieval art history.
Aside from the frescoes, the crypt contains architectural elements like columns, pillars, and capitals adorned with geometric and vegetal motifs, showcasing pre-Renaissance taste for colorful decoration.
Excavations also revealed the foundations of the cathedral鈥檚 oldest apse, shedding light on its construction phases from the 12th to the 14th century, with identifiable features such as stone walls from the 13th century and brick compositions from the 14th century.
Rediscovered during restoration work by the Opera del Duomo, the aim was to uncover the Oratory of Saints Giovannino and Gennaro, located beneath the cathedral's choir. During excavation, a room filled with inert material was found, likely filled in the 14th century due to structural issues halting a cathedral expansion project. This unintentional preservation left the crypt remarkably intact.
Inside, there are thirteenth-century frescoes known for their vibrant colors, preserved due to being sealed shortly after creation. These frescoes depict biblical scenes in two tiers: the upper tier shows Old Testament scenes, while the lower tier features New Testament stories, including scenes of the Passion of Christ. The frescoes offer insight into medieval art and the Sienese school of mural painting. Ongoing studies aim to precisely date and attribute them, which could greatly contribute to medieval art history.
Aside from the frescoes, the crypt contains architectural elements like columns, pillars, and capitals adorned with geometric and vegetal motifs, showcasing pre-Renaissance taste for colorful decoration.
Excavations also revealed the foundations of the cathedral鈥檚 oldest apse, shedding light on its construction phases from the 12th to the 14th century, with identifiable features such as stone walls from the 13th century and brick compositions from the 14th century.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Siena. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Cripta del Duomo di Siena (Crypt of Siena Cathedral) on Map
Sight Name: Cripta del Duomo di Siena (Crypt of Siena Cathedral)
Sight Location: Siena, Italy (See walking tours in Siena)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Siena, Italy (See walking tours in Siena)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Siena, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Siena
Creating your own self-guided walk in Siena is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Medieval Siena Walking Tour
Siena is a beautiful medieval city whose Gothic-era identity, acquired between the 12th and 15th centuries, has been successfully preserved due to the centuries of political and economic irrelevance in the shadow of its grander neighbor Florence. Today's Siena is a cultural gold mine and ideal place to revel in medieval Italy.
No tour of Siena is complete without visiting its heart, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
No tour of Siena is complete without visiting its heart, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Siena Old Town Walking Tour
Siena was originally settled by Etruscans of Italy and later settled by Romans, who emulated Etruscan culture and named the city Sena Julia. The Lombard Kings then developed the city. By the 12th century, Siena was self-governing.
Siena established the Council of Nine in 1270. This Council was responsible for a flourishing economy, a focus on art, and a building boom. In 1348, Siena was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Siena established the Council of Nine in 1270. This Council was responsible for a flourishing economy, a focus on art, and a building boom. In 1348, Siena was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Siena's Palaces Walking Tour
A leisurely stroll through downtown Siena 鈥� a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of imperious castles, palaces and other historic buildings 鈥� promises an exciting day of discovery and a pleasant experience for architecture buffs.
While most Italian cities have a church on their main square, Siena's famous Piazza Del Campo gathers around the city hall, known as Palazzo Pubblico... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.7 Km or 0.4 Miles
While most Italian cities have a church on their main square, Siena's famous Piazza Del Campo gathers around the city hall, known as Palazzo Pubblico... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.7 Km or 0.4 Miles