The Duomo di San Gimignano, also known as Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta (Collegiate Church of the Assumption of Mary),is a Roman Catholic Collegiate Church and the cathedral of San Gimignano. It is most famous for its incredible murals and paintings, which include works of famous artists such as Taddeo di Bartolo, Domenico Ghirlandaio and Lippo Memmi. In fact, the building is only one of many celebrated buildings that make up the ‘Historic Centre of San Gimignano’, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just find a luxury villa in San Gimignano and visit this amazing cathedral and the astounding historic centre in which it is located. There are few towns so picture-perfect as this and it is well worth exploring.
Originally constructed in the 10th century and renovated in the 12th century, it earned its status as a Collegiate Church in the late 15th century. As the church was built according to the architectural styles of the 12th and 13th centuries, it is largely a Romanesque building bar two chapels that were constructed during the Renaissance. Built on a Latin cross plan, with a central nave and aisles on either side of it, the church itself is attractive but it is the décor that is the true star of the show.
The naves are a polychromatic masterpiece, a blend of black and white marble and accents in gold, red and white can also be seen in the arches that line the interior of the cathedral. It is the frescoes that astound. A large number of Sienese painters through the ages contributed frescoes depicting various religious scenes and scenes from the Old Testament as well as the New Testament, in particular.
The naves are a polychromatic masterpiece, a blend of black and white marble and accents in gold, red and white can also be seen in the arches that line the interior of the cathedral. It is the frescoes that astound. A large number of Sienese painters through the ages contributed frescoes depicting various religious scenes and scenes from the Old Testament as well as the New Testament, in particular.
The Old Testament frescoes are mainly the work of Bartolo di Fredi, while the artist of the scenes from the New Testament is under constant debate. The most famous work is Bartolo's ‘The Last Judgment’ from 1493. However, there are also pieces by Benozzo Gozzoli, Sebastiano Mainardi, Domenico Ghirlandaio and others throughout the building.
While there was some damage to the building from WWII, the brightness of the original frescoes from the 14th century is truly incredible. Photographs never seem to do the building justice and it never fails to win people over once they visit in person. For art-lovers visiting Tuscany, this lesser-known gem really is a must.
While there was some damage to the building from WWII, the brightness of the original frescoes from the 14th century is truly incredible. Photographs never seem to do the building justice and it never fails to win people over once they visit in person. For art-lovers visiting Tuscany, this lesser-known gem really is a must.