Basilica of San Domenico, Siena (must see)

The Basilica of San Domenico is one of Siena's most imposing churches and an important center of pilgrimage dedicated to Saint Catherine of Siena, the city's patron saint. Originally built in 1265 for the Dominican Order and enlarged during the 14th century, the basilica dominates the skyline with its massive brick walls, Gothic façade, and imposing bell tower. Its simple exterior reflects Dominican ideals of humility, while the vast interior, covered by exposed wooden roof beams, creates an atmosphere of quiet grandeur.

Saint Catherine spent much of her life praying here, and the basilica preserves many relics and artworks connected with her. The Chapel of Saint Catherine is the church's principal attraction, housing the saint's mummified head and thumb, relics brought from Rome so that part of her could rest in her beloved hometown. The chapel also contains masterpieces by Il Sodoma, including The Fainting and Ecstasy of Saint Catherine and The Death of Niccolò di Tuldo, Francesco Vanni's Saint Catherine's Exorcism, and a beautiful 15th-century marble pavement designed by Francesco di Giorgio. Locating the Chapel of Saint Catherine is as straightforward as walking halfway down the right wall of the massive nave to find a highly decorated, freestanding Renaissance marble archway. It is also flanked by two flags so it is hard to miss.

Other parts of the basilica are equally rewarding. Because the elevated, raised structure of the Chapel of the Vaults completely blocks the front facade wall, you enter the basilica through its main side entrance on the western wall. From the entrance doorway, turn immediately right to find the wide stone steps leading up onto the elevated platform running against the front wall of the church. The chapel was historically used by the Mantellate and it displays the only authentic contemporary portrait of Saint Catherine by her friend Andrea Vanni, alongside Mattia Preti's Canonization of Saint Catherine.

Throughout the nave, visitors can admire paintings by Francesco di Vannuccio, Il Sodoma, Antonio Magagna, Rutilio Manetti, Sebastiano Folli, Stefano Volpi, and Alessandro Casolani. The right transept contains an altar dedicated to Blessed Ambrogio Sansedoni, while the 14th-century Gothic crypt—which can be reached by following the stone staircase down at the end of the right aisle—preserves a historic crucifix and Ventura Salimbeni's Crucifixion.

Beyond its artistic treasures, the basilica offers magnificent panoramic views over Siena from the surrounding streets and terraces, with the Cathedral and Mangia Tower rising above the medieval rooftops.