“Show and Tell”: The Gate of Heaven in the Cathedral of Siena

Italy “Show and Tell” is a weekly series published on Sundays where invited guests share 6 of their favorite photos from their trip to Italy or life in Italy, along with a short description.

This week I’d like to take this opportunity to share my favorite photos from our visit to The Gate of Heaven in the Cathedral of Siena in late November.

6 Favorite Photos from The Gate of Heaven, Siena

With reservations made months earlier to visit the The Gate of Heaven, I refused to let a sprained ankle from preventing me to see this extraordinary opening which according to the official website:

“is a series of rooms that have never been open to the public, where no one has entered for centuries, except for the workmen directed by a succession of great architects who over the centuries left evidence in projects and sketches, at times drawn directly on the walls”. Tomorrow is the last day and hopefully, they will consider opening this incredible part of the Cathedral again in the near future.

1. Cathedral of Siena: Completed in the 13th century, the striking sight of the façade of Siena Cathedral is awe-inspiring. More details about it here on Wikipedia

Cathedral of Siena

2. After climbing up spiral stairs, we reached an area which clearly was the workspace of the architects and workmen featuring the tools they used. More detailed description in this post.

Workspace and tools used by architects and workmen

3. We were treated to a splendid view of the interior of the Cathedral of Siena from The Gate of Heaven. Stunning!

Looking inside the Cathedral from The Gate of Heaven

4. As this was a guided tour, we were then led to the top to take in the view of this charming town from the top. Fortunately, it was a clear day and we were rewarded with this shot.

View of Siena from The Gate of Heaven

5. As the tour started in the late afternoon, we were able to catch a glimpse of the sunset in Siena during the tour.

Sunset in Siena

6. The tour included a visit to the inside of the Duomo and looking up, you couldn’t miss this “hexagonal dome that is topped with Bernini’s gilded lantern, like a golden sun and boasting stars”. (Wikepedia)

Looking up at the hexagonal dome

It was an amazing visit and we had a wonderful day in Siena. Here’s a one-minute video to give you glimpse of the day.