faces
This is the Siena Cathedral located in Siena, Italy. Siena traditionally was a major international banking center during the late 1200’s and early 1300’s. They were in close competition with Florence and this cathedral is the direct output of that competition. By looking at the outside Facade you would have never guessed that the inside would be so elaborately decorated. To me it looks like an enormous Egyptian tomb and just look at that hexagonal dome!! The stripping however is native to the Tuscan region of Italy and is seen in many of their buildings. You can also see it on the large bell tower on the outside of the structure.
We have moved to Italy! This is the Pisa Cathedral Complex built in 1063 and at the time was the largest Romanesque building in all of Europe. As you can see the complex holds the baptistry (smaller, round building), the bell tower (commonly known as the “leaning tower of Pisa”) and the Cathedral. It is built in the Roman Basilica Latin Cross plan and the interior is decorated in the traditional Roman style with geometric shapes and Corinthian capitals. I never knew Pisa was so exciting!
