In Siena, the Cathedral unveils its marble commesso floor. Here are the dates

Siena Cathedral is returning to discover its marble commesso floor, the result of a complex iconographic program carried out from the 14th century until the 19th century: in fact, it is the result of five hundred years; the preparatory cartoons were drawn by great names in Sienese art, with the exception of the Umbrian painter Bernardino di Betto known as Pinturicchio. From June 27 to July 31 and from Aug. 18 to Oct. 18, 2023, visitors will be able to return to admire this unique masterpiece “not only for the technique used, but also for the message of the figurations, a constant invitation to wisdom, starting from the naves with the protagonists of the ancient world, scowling sibyls and philosophers, to the biblical subjects under the dome, in the presbytery and in the transept; a symbolic journey in search of the highest values of the human spirit.” You can read our in-depth report here.

At the unveiling there will also be an opportunity to walk around the chancel and apse where the wooden inlays by Fra Giovanni da Verona are preserved, executed with a technique similar to that of the marble commesso, with woods of different colors, depicting urban views, landscapes and still lifes, cabinets showing interior shelves with liturgical objects rendered with perspective skill.

The complete OpaSiPass itinerary allows, in addition to a visit to the Floor in the Cathedral, a visit to the Museo dell’Opera in which one can admire, in the Hall of Statues, mosaics with the symbols of Siena’s allied cities and Antonio Federighi’s original inlays of the Seven Ages of Man. In the Sala dei Cartoni, whose entrance flanks the Maestà di Duccio, the famous floor plan of the Duomo outlined by Giovanni Paciarelli in 1884 can be seen, giving an overview of the inlays and the route from the entrance to the high altar. The integrated ticket also includes access to the so-called “Crypt,” under the Cathedral Floor, and the Baptistery.

Among the services offered are also guided tours in which professionals in various languages lead the public to discover the floor.

The uncovering is sponsored byOpera della Metropolitana and organized by Opera Laboratori.

For info and reservations visit https://operaduomo.siena.it/ or call +39 0577 286300

Image: The floor of Siena Cathedral. © Opera della Metropolitana di Siena

In Siena, the Cathedral unveils its marble commesso floor. Here are the dates

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