The Dominican church associated with St Catherine of Siena, holding her head and Sodoma's frescoes.
San Domenico was begun around 1226 for the Dominican order and stands on a terrace above Fontebranda. Catherine Benincasa, born in the nearby dyers' quarter in 1347, prayed here and joined the Dominican lay sisters. After her death in Rome in 1380 her head was brought to Siena, and it is kept in the chapel of the Volte. She was canonised in 1461 by the Sienese-born Pope Pius II, named patron saint of Italy in 1939, a Doctor of the Church in 1970 and a co-patron of Europe in 1999.
| Admission | Free (donations welcome) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open daily with seasonal hours and closures for services; confirm locally |
| Address | Piazza San Domenico, 53100 Siena SI, Italy |
Why it matters
The main pilgrimage church of St Catherine of Siena.
Site facts
- Built
- Begun c. 1226; completed in the 14th century
- Architect
- Dominican builders; Sodoma painted the Chapel of St Catherine (1526)
- Style
- Brick Gothic
- UNESCO listing
- True
Location
Piazza San Domenico, 53100 Siena SI, Italy
43.3198, 11.3269 View on map
Highlights
- Relic of St Catherine's head
- Sodoma frescoes
- Terrace view of the Cathedral
Tips for visiting
- Dress modestly
- Quiet mornings
Accessibility
Level entrance; steep approach streets.
Frequently asked questions
What relic is in the basilica?
The head of St Catherine of Siena.