Siena's great cathedral was begun in the 12th century in the Romanesque style but was transformed in the 13th century into one of the finest examples of Italian Gothic. The walls and columns of the church's interior are covered with black and white marble, and its marble floors have decorative inlays by Domenico Beccafumi. Pinturicchio painted frescoes for the Piccolomini Library, which adjoins the cathedral and which was founded in 1495 by Cardinal Francesco Piccolomini, who later became Pope Pius III. A magnificent baptismal font with bas-reliefs by Jacopo della Quercia, Donatello, and Lorenzo Ghiberti distinguishes the Baptistery of San Giovanni, located in the square with the same name, near the final spans of the choir of the Cathedral.

You can find more information on Siena Cathedral on its home page (external link).

Recommended viewing from the collection:

• Maestà by Duccio di Buoninsegna,
• Pulpit by Nicola Pisano,
• Frescoes in the Piccolomini Library by Pinturicchio,
• Baptismal font by Jacopo della Quercia.