Medieval marvel of Italy filled with picturesque visuals is only open for visitors twice a year

Medieval architecture has always been a thing to behold due to the intricate attention and detail people place in those projects. Unfortunately, modern elements in play seek to cause a lot of damage to these magnificent buildings. Several medieval buildings in Cairo have been damaged by pollution, reports IOP Science. Therefore, the authorities associated with Duomo Di Siena, also known in English as Siena Cathedral, had decided long ago in order to protect the architectural marvel, they would put it on display only two times a year. It is known as the Roman Catholic Marian church and at present, it is devoted to the Assumption of Mary. This masterpiece is a heavenly sight because the artists have decorated it from top to bottom, per My Modern Met.

Siena Cathedral is an example of Gothic architecture that came into motion in 1370. Its construction was fully finished in the 19th century. The most unique thing about the whole structure is its 56 marble inlay panels, created with a cross-plan in mind which is evident with the presence of vaulted ceilings and a large decorated dome. Other features of the structure include a large bell attached to the cathedral. There is also a church sharing boundaries with a library. The interior design has high walls adorned with frescoes and knaves filled with statues. On the gates, some gargoyles are looking down from a height.

Though these features are impressive, it is known worldwide for its floor. The floor has 56 mosaic panel scenes created with inlaid marble and covers a huge area measuring around 14,000 square feet. The Biblical and classical scenes are composed through geometric patterns. Some of the scenes featured on the floor are a Wheel of Fortune and The She-Wolf of Siena, a 14th-century story about the founding of Siena by Aschius and Senius and two brothers suckled by a wolf. The design also has a personification of four virtues and Biblical stories centered around the tales of King David and David and Goliath.

The artists involved in the construction of the cathedral were all local citizens. Their first step of action was creating a sketch. After this, they chiseled the sketches into white marble, creating depressions. Later, they filled it with dark stucco. This process was known as the "graffito" technique and is associated with the modern method of graffiti. Unlike other structures created during medieval times that inlay the mosaics, in this case, they drew mosaics, which is a much more intricate method. In Renaissance, when they made additions to the floor of the cathedral, the artists went with the inlaying method rather than graffito.

People can always see a small portion all through the year. But the whole structure is open for visits only twice a year. Last year it opened in late July and then from August to October. This year it will again open end of July and again from August 18 through October 18. Tickets are free for children under 6 years and cost 8 Euros per person. To gain more information, visit their official website.