Basilica in the Heart of Siena
| Our rating |
Majestic church.Top choice! |
| Cost |
Donation for church and priest. |
| Location |
In the heart of Siena. |
| Setting |
A main piazza, within walking distance of Piazza del Campo. |
| Exterior |
Imposing Gothic style church. Red bricks, marble portal.. |
| Interior |
Very large single nave, stained glass, walls covered by black and white marble. |
| Accompaniment |
Organ and soloist. Other options as long as the music is sacred and approved by priest. |
| Ceremonies |
Catholic with civil validity. |
| Capacity |
Up to three thousand people. |
| Availability |
All year long. |
Unique characteristics of the Basilica in the heart of Siena
This magnificent Gothic style church, constructed in the thirteenth century on the site of an ancient building, was dedicated to a popular catholic Saint. Enlarged in the following century, the presbytery was entirely reconstructed on powerful arches that open onto a magnificent underground crypt, built into the steep hillside.
The new, bigger church was completed in 1475, but then, a few years later, the walls were raised to match the increased width of the renovated church. Francesco di Giorgio Martini was most probably the architect entrusted with this later project.
An imposing bell tower was added in the eighteenth century and finally the impressive brick façade with a white marble portal is the work of two well known nineteenth century architects.
The inside of the Basilica is striking, shaped like an Egyptian cross, with a single majestic nave and exposed beams ceiling, or soffitto a capriate.
The walls are covered with black and white marble, in a striped pattern. The light is filtered through tall stained glass windows.
This church houses many works of art by famous artists, among them two great frescoes by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, a Sienese painter active in the fourteenth century.
What a backdrop for your wedding ceremony!
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