Alexander Prolygin's photos

The pulpit is made of Carrara marble and was created by Niccolò Pisano between 1265 and 1268. His students Arnolfo di Cambio, Lapo di Ricevuto and the master's son Giovanni Pisano participated in the work. The pulpit itself is the earliest surviving work in the cathedral.

The Piccolomini Altarpiece was commissioned by Cardinal Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini (the future Pope Pius III) in memory of his uncle, Pope Pius II. The altar was created by Andrea Bregno in 1481-1485. In the center of the composition is the "Madonna and Child" by Paolo di Giovanni Fei (early 1390s)

In 1492, the Archbishop of Siena, Cardinal Francesco Nanni Todeschini-Piccolomini (later Pope Pius III), founded the Piccolomini Library (Libreria Piccolomini) in the cathedral to store the most valuable family books and manuscripts with colorful miniatures from the collection of his uncle Enea Silvio Bartolomeo Piccolomini (Pope Pius II). The fresco "The Coronation of Pope Pius III", created by Pinturicchio in 1504 on commission from the heirs of the pontiff, who died on October 18, 1503, is located above the entrance to the Piccolomini Library.

In 1464, Pope Pius II brought a priceless relic to Siena - the relics of the right hand of St. John. And in 1482, in the left transept, construction began on the Chapel of St. John the Baptist (Cappella di San Giovanni Battista). The chapel is round in plan, presumably designed by Giovanni di Stefano. In the depths of the chapel is a bronze statue of John the Baptist by Donatello (1457). The marble font in the center was created by Antonio Federighi after 1484.

In 1492, the Archbishop of Siena, Cardinal Francesco Nanni Todeschini-Piccolomini (later Pope Pius III), founded the Piccolomini Library (Libreria Piccolomini) in the cathedral to store the most valuable family books and manuscripts with colorful miniatures from the collection of his uncle Enea Silvio Bartolomeo Piccolomini (Pope Pius II). The library room adjoins the left nave of the cathedral. Inside the library are frescoes depicting ten significant events from the secular and religious life of Pope Pius II, first as a layman, then as a bishop, cardinal and finally as pope. Raphael also took part in the preparation of the paintings during his visit to Siena.

In 1492, the Archbishop of Siena, Cardinal Francesco Nanni Todeschini-Piccolomini (later Pope Pius III), founded the Piccolomini Library (Libreria Piccolomini) in the cathedral to store the most valuable family books and manuscripts with colorful miniatures from the collection of his uncle Enea Silvio Bartolomeo Piccolomini (Pope Pius II). The library room adjoins the left nave of the cathedral. In the center of the library hall is a marble antique group, the Three Graces, a 3rd century Roman reproduction of an ancient Greek original. The sculpture was purchased by Francesco Todeschini-Piccolomini in Rome and was probably used by Raphael for his painting on the same theme.

In the center of the library hall is a marble antique group, the Three Graces, a 3rd century Roman reproduction of an ancient Greek original. The sculpture was purchased by Francesco Todeschini-Piccolomini in Rome and was probably used by Raphael for his painting on the same theme.

In 1492, the Archbishop of Siena, Cardinal Francesco Nanni Todeschini-Piccolomini (later Pope Pius III), founded the Piccolomini Library (Libreria Piccolomini) in the cathedral to store the most valuable family books and manuscripts with colorful miniatures from the collection of his uncle Enea Silvio Bartolomeo Piccolomini (Pope Pius II). The library room adjoins the left nave of the cathedral.

Stained glass window of the Apse by Duccio di Buonisegna. Around 1288

The most famous work of art in the cathedral is considered to be its unique inlaid marble mosaic floor - one of the most ornate in Italy, covering the whole floor of the cathedral. This undertaking went on from the 14th to the 16th centuries, and about forty artists made their contribution. The floor of the cathedral is divided into 56 panels of various sizes and shapes with images of biblical scenes, sibyls, and allegorical figures. The first of the existing images date back to around 1370.

The most famous work of art in the cathedral is considered to be its unique inlaid marble mosaic floor - one of the most ornate in Italy, covering the whole floor of the cathedral. This undertaking went on from the 14th to the 16th centuries, and about forty artists made their contribution. The floor of the cathedral is divided into 56 panels of various sizes and shapes with images of biblical scenes, sibyls, and allegorical figures. The first of the existing images date back to around 1370.