http://www.navigaia.com/ Visionnez votre destination 2008 PocketVox http://www.navigaia.com/ Thu, 23 May 2013 01:49:07 +0200 http://www.navigaia.com//?pid=56&select_place=1925 The Duomo of Sienna is in our opinion, one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy. In the first place this is due to its architecture: it is in the highly ornamental Gothic style developed over the centuries and the Romanesque campanile blends in perfectly. Note too the sculptures by Giovanni Pisano. Finally, the interior is a wealth of works by various artists: in particular, note the Altarpiece by Piccolomini surrounded by 4 statues executed by a young Michelangelo, the library decorated by Pinturicchio's frescos and the Chapel of the Madonna del Voto completed by Bernini, the great master of Baroque. Thu, 23 May 2013 01:49:07 +0200 http://www.navigaia.com//?pid=56&select_place=1937 This street used to be home to a market. At ground floor level you can still see the doors of the shops and above them, the shop keepers living quarters. The church of San Martino, the oldest in the town is located here. Thu, 23 May 2013 01:49:07 +0200 http://www.navigaia.com//?pid=56&select_place=1944 San Marco Gate was built at the end of the 13th century and is typical of the Sienese design which permitted the sentry guards to see without being seen. Beyond the gate is a lovely view of the Sienese countryside. Thu, 23 May 2013 01:49:07 +0200 http://www.navigaia.com//?pid=56&select_place=1935 The Piazza del Campo is known the world over. This is where the Palio of Siena, a bare-backed horse race, is held. Take a seat on a café terrace and gaze upon the beauty of the setting. The brick and marble paved square slopes gently, there's a fountain at the centre, the Palazzo Pubblico stands at the far end and the Palazzo Picolomini lines one side. Thu, 23 May 2013 01:49:07 +0200 http://www.navigaia.com//?pid=56&select_place=1926 The Palazzo Pubblico is the large Gothic building on the edge of the Piazza del Campo. It is still used as the Town Hall and is also home to a very interesting museum: its different rooms are decorated with frescos recounting the history of the town and the region. Before entering the Salla del Mappamondo (Map of the World Room ) let's names some of the fresco painters who worked here: Spinello Aretino, Bernardo Rossellino, Beccafumi and Taddeo di Bartolo. Within the Salla del Mappamondo you'll see 2 works by Simone Martini: a""Virgin in Majesty""and an""Equestrian portrait of Guidoriccio da Fogliano"". Thu, 23 May 2013 01:49:07 +0200 http://www.navigaia.com//?pid=56&select_place=1927 The large Mangia tower looks down on the Palazzo Pubblico from its 335 foot summit which can be reached by climbing 503 steps. Those who brave this climb will be rewarded with a magnificent view over Siena and surrounding hills. Thu, 23 May 2013 01:49:07 +0200 http://www.navigaia.com//?pid=56&select_place=1929 This very pretty fountain decorates the Piazza del Campo. Above you'll see some lovely decorative panels executed by Jacopo della Quercia in 1420. Thu, 23 May 2013 01:49:07 +0200 http://www.navigaia.com//?pid=56&select_place=1930 The Museum dell'Opera del Duomo presents a very rich collection of Gothic sculpture by Pisano and Renaissance sculpture by Donatello (Virgin and Child) and Jacopo della Quercia (Virgin and Child with Saint Jerome) to mention just the best known. However the museum is renowned for the masterpiece, 'a Virgin in Majesty' - one of the most beautiful works by Duccio di Buoninsegna. This was the artist who in about the year 1300, helped progress the world of painting away from the canons of Byzantine art. This altarpiece is accompanied by 45 secondary panels which depict episodes in the life of Christ. Some say its one of the masterpieces of Italian painting. One thing is certain - if you take a look for yourself you won't regret it. Thu, 23 May 2013 01:49:07 +0200 http://www.navigaia.com//?pid=56&select_place=1931 The National Painting Gallery offers the most beautiful collection of works by Sienese painters. The rooms are arranged chronologically so you can follow the evolution of painting between the 12th and 16th centuries. We'll mention 2 of the great names: Duccio of course, considered to be the last of the medieval painters and then Simone Martioni. Thu, 23 May 2013 01:49:07 +0200 http://www.navigaia.com//?pid=56&select_place=1933 Commenced in 1226, this austere brick church is an integral part of the life of Saint Catherine of Siena, the patron saint of the town. The chapel of Saint Catherine within is home to a 15th century marble tabernacle where a fragment of the Saint's skull is kept. This was a common practice at that time. Thu, 23 May 2013 01:49:07 +0200