Duomo

I finally understood the absolute appreciation the Italians have when speaking of Siena, and the incredible beauty of Siena's Duomo as being called the most beautiful in all of Italy.  Each citta(city) no matter how large or small has a church( Duomo) in which all of the religious ceremonies such as weddings, baptisms, and such are recorded and celebrated.  Each Duomo is different and reflects the city's style, taste, and means.  Siena is a city tucked away in the hills in Tuscany, which I assumed would be relatively humble in its decor and perhaps simple in comparison to say the one I saw in Florence.  I couldn't have been more wrong.

I have never felt such reverence for the time, artistry, and faith required of these people to diligently built their Duomo despite construction beginning in 1196 and completing well into the 13th Century.  It's difficult to even convey the treasures each room offered visually.  The most impressive is the inlaid marble floor; 56 panels depicting historical and biblical subjects.  The most valuable are kept covered and are only revealed from the 21st of August through the 27th of October each year.  The Crypt, the Museum, the Baptism room, the prayer candles, the stained glass windows.....  I felt I couldn't even breath for fear I would be making too much noise.