
Siena Cathedral and Art Gallery
Siena Cathedral is one of the most outstanding examples of Italian Gothic-Roman architecture, and is home to masterpieces by Donatello, Michelangelo, Bernini and Pinturicchio to give just a few of the illustrious names. Today, you can take the “porta del cielo” (gateway to heaven) tour, accessing places not normally open to the public and from which you can admire picturesque views inside and outside the Cathedral. The Cathedral floor is particularly beautiful, not only because of the technique used, but for the subject matter, the pursuit of wisdom. The floor is only uncovered at certain times of year; details can be found on the website of the Siena Cathedral museum (https://operaduomo.siena.it/en/).
The National Art Gallery (Pinacoteca Nazionale) is located in Palazzo Brigidi and Palazzo Buonsignori and the artwork documents the history of Sienese painting from the 13th to 18th century, with works by great artists such as Duccio di Buoninsegna and Simone Martini, to name just two.