The brick Gothic church of the Dominicans that holds the head of St Catherine of Siena and frescoes by Sodoma.
The Basilica of San Domenico was begun around 1226 and rebuilt over time in austere brick Gothic. It is associated above all with Catherine of Siena (1347-1380), the mystic and diplomat who was canonised in 1461, named patron saint of Italy and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1970. Her head is kept in a tabernacle in the Cappella delle Volte, and the Chapel of St Catherine holds frescoes by Il Sodoma, painted in the 1520s, showing her ecstasy and fainting. The church stands on a high terrace with a good view of the Cathedral across the valley.
| Admission | Adult Free (donations welcome) · Child Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open daily with seasonal hours; reported roughly 9:00AM-6:00PM in summer and shorter in winter, closed to visitors during services. Confirm locally |
| Typical visit | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time | Mid-morning |
| Getting there | About 8 minutes on foot from the Campo along Via della Sapienza; 10 minutes from the Santa Caterina car park |
| Address | Piazza San Domenico, 53100 Siena SI, Italy |
Good to know
- Best for
- pilgrims, art lovers, history fans
Location
Piazza San Domenico, 53100 Siena SI, Italy
43.3198, 11.3269 View on map
Highlights
- Relic of the head of St Catherine
- Sodoma frescoes in the Chapel of St Catherine
- Brick Gothic nave
- View of the Cathedral across the valley
Tips for visiting
- Respect the dress code and silence at the Chapel of the Head
- Walk from the church down to Fontebranda and the Sanctuary of St Catherine to follow her life
- Tel. contact for the Dominican friars is on the basilica notice board
When to visit
Mid-morning on weekdays.
Accessibility
Ramp at the entrance; interior is mostly level. The approach streets are steep.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee?
No, it is free; donations are welcome. Visits pause during services.
Where is St Catherine's head kept?
In a tabernacle in the Cappella delle Volte inside the Basilica.