Things to Do at Basilica Of San Domenico

The Basilica of San Domenico might not have the flashy Gothic facade of Siena's Duomo, but this massive brick fortress of a church holds something arguably more precious - the preserved head of Saint Catherine of Siena, one of Italy's most beloved saints. Built in the 13th century, the basilica feels genuinely lived-in rather than museum-like, which makes sense given it's still an active Dominican monastery. The interior is surprisingly austere for an Italian church, but that actually works in its favor - your attention goes straight to the remarkable frescoes and the deeply moving Chapel of Saint Catherine. What's particularly striking about San Domenico is how it sits on a hill overlooking the city, giving you those postcard views of Siena's terracotta rooftops and the famous Torre del Mangia. The church tends to be quieter than Siena's other major attractions, so you'll likely find yourself with some peaceful moments to actually absorb what you're seeing. It's the kind of place where you can genuinely feel the weight of centuries of prayer and pilgrimage.

San Domenico is about a 10-15 minute uphill walk from Siena's city center, which can be a bit of a workout but is totally manageable. From Piazza del Campo, head northwest via Via delle Cerchia or Via dei Rossi - the church's distinctive brick tower makes it easy to spot from a distance. If you're not up for the climb, local buses run regularly from the center, though honestly the walk gives you nice glimpses of residential Siena that you might otherwise miss. There's limited parking nearby if you're driving, but Siena's historic center restrictions apply.