Teresa and I agree: the duomo (cathedral) in Siena is our favorite. Standing at the highest point in Siena, this spectacular cathedral is a not-to-be-missed gem.
It's dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary--that is the miracle of her ascension into heaven, when her life on earth was complete, with her physical body and soul united. The feast day of the Assumption, August 15th, sometimes called the Virgin's "heavenly birthday," is a major holiday throughout Italy (and a Catholic Holy Day of Obligation).
The duomo's facade is gorgeous with bands of pink, white and green marble and lavish decoration. But it's the interior that is most spectacular.
Divided into three aisles by black and white striped pillars, the space reveals its riches in a play of light and shadow. Among the treasures are the marble pulpit by sculptor
Nicola Pisano with figures representing the Seven Liberal Arts, Virtues, and scenes from the New Testament.There is also an early work by Michelangelo, and Donatello's dramatic St. John the Baptist. Everywhere you look, you will find beauty and delights.
Look up at the dome and you'll see a deep blue sky painted with golden stars. Over the front entrance, you'll find a rose window depicting of the Last Supper, one of the earliest works in stained glass in Italy. Look down and you'll find the entire floor of the 
cathedral is richly decorated with marble inlays of 56 individual vignettes of philosophers, allegories, sibyls, and Biblical scenes that describe Classical and Christian history up to the founding of the city of Siena.
And then there's the Piccolomini Library. The walls and ceilings are covered with some of the most vivid and spectacular frescoes in Italy, showing highlights from the life of Pope Pius II (Aeneas Silvio Piccolomini). below the frescoes, you'll see priceless early music manuscripts displayed. The beauty of this room is almost overwhelming.
Although I normally abhor those audio tours that seem to turn people into walking zombies with headphones, I always recommend paying the small fee for one here. The informative, spoken (yes, English is available) guide covers the whole cathedral, including the mosaic floor allegories and the Piccolomini frescoes.
The Siena Cathedral is one of the highlights of all Time of Your Life Tours' Tuscany trips. We'd love to have you join us.
And, for more amazing photos of Siena and the duomo, check out Images of Siena.
