Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico

Beautiful church; pretty ascetic design, but completely related to the christian philosophy and movement to which the church belongs. There are kept part of bodies of Saints Catherine of Siena.
There is also very nice book shop, with very interesting books, not only about religious topics, but also about art.

Free entrance, large, and easy to visit. I would be sure to visit when you are on this side of the town because the hills are very steep, so you want to visit when you are near. You can see Saint Catherine’s finger and head.

Whenever I’m in Siena, I always enjoy coming to this church & visiting St Catherine’s relics. Beautiful art & it’s usually not packed with people.

Very serene. Combination of old and new. Saw St. Caterina’s thumb and head - the 2 most important relics in Siena. Entrance is free. But no photos. I understand that - respect. Inside is quite pared back with a few little chapels. It’s cavernous! Outside the view is amazing! Good panoramic view of the duomo and tower.

Free entrance, no photo allowed for the interior. A great spot to see old town Siena

Very cool place to see in Siena, lady in the gift shop was very friendly and helpful. You can see the head and thumb of St Caterina, it’s odd but cool to see.

We visited the Basilica on a Saturday, but didn't have to wait at all to enter. I didn't take pictures from the inside, but it is beautiful. A must-see if you are visiting Siena.

Although in Siena you will find several things to do this Basilica it's worth a visit.. you can find the head of Saint Catherine that is very well devoted in Siena

Such a different church to the main Duomo. Its well worth the visit and is still extremely impressive in its own right. The views back over to Siena are also well worth the trip on there own.

Absolutely beautiful! The history behind this church is also interesting. This place is something you should visit if you visit Siena.

Basilica di San Domenico is one of the churches in Siena, Tuscany, which holds extreme significance for its people. It is often referred to as Basilica Cateriniana. The church is magnificent in the simplicity of its design and architecture.
Construction on this famous church was started early, in the 13th century. However, in the following era, the church was enlarged, and given a Gothic appearance. At present, the church holds the same Gothic structure, which appeals to people, in all walks of life. The church includes a large edifice, which was built for the Merchant Orders. It is magnificently structured and built, with eye catching bricks and design.

Let begin with the fact that i am not catholic. I came here for the history and truly enjoyed the peacefulness of the church. It is large with an incredible past. My first time seeing a relic of a saint and was awe-struck by Cateriniana and her story.

The first thing we see when we come to Siena is this beautiful Basilica. We are amazed by her beauty and grandeur. The Basilica of San Domenico is one of the most important churches in Siena. It contains a multitude of important frescoes and relics. Her history is more than interesting. Much of the mystical life of Saint Catherine took place within the walls of this beautiful Basilica, which was one of the first to be dedicated to St. Dominic.The Dominicans arrived in Siena in 1220, a year before the death of their founder Domenico di Guzmán. And they begin the construction of this Basilica in 1226 on the hill of Camporegio which they received as a gift from the Malavolti family. It was built in stages and completed in 1465, in Gothic style. The Church contains a magnificent Maestà by Guido da Siena (master to Duccio of Boninsegna) dating back to 1221. The old Chapter Room, the old Sacresty, the Refectory and the Dormitory were all built with the original Church and the Cloister was frescoed by Lippo Memmi and Lippo Vanni. In the first half of the fourteenth century the new Church (crypt and transept for the old Church) was built on the steep side of Camporegio hill overlooking the district of Fontebranda where St. Catherine had been born. Catherine of Siena was a mystic, activist, and author who had a great influence on Italian literature and the Catholic Church. When she began going to Church of St. Dominic the new edifice was already almost finished. Catherine of Siena is one of the outstanding figures of medieval Catholicism, by the strong influence she has had in the history of the papacy and her extensive authorship. She was behind the return of the Pope from Avignon to Rome, and then carried out many missions entrusted by the pope, something quite rare for a woman in the Middle Ages. Her Dialogue, hundreds of letters, and dozens of prayers, also give her a prominent place in the history of Italian literature. After the canonization of St. Catherine in 1461 the Basilica accepted the most precious Caterian codes and many relics (contains the head-relic of Saint Catherine). They are located in La cappella di Santa Caterina.

Beautiful old church on nice hill.

Great old cathedral, but the main highlight is the opportunity to see the relics of Saint Catherine of Siena - both the real head and a finger of the saint are openly visible in a side chapel inside the basilica

Great piece of history and a unique one to visit

Beuatiful view to Siena.

Beautiful and free church to see in historic Siena.

This is an entirely different experience to the Duomo but no less with seeing. The artwork is much more understated and the atmosphere is slightly rustic.

That was an experiece. The must visit place in Siena!

Very pretty museum with amazing history. No admission fee or anything and was not very busy. There is no photography or videography allowed inside so be aware of that