Crypt, Siena 
The Crypt (Cripta in Italian) beneath the Duomo in Siena is a newly discovered gem with a wonderful series of 13th-century frescoes adorning its walls.
History
Despite its name and location, the Cripta is not exactly a crypt - it was never used for burials. It is thought to have functioned as a sort of porch, with stairways leading directly up into the nave of the cathedral.
It was constructed at the same time as the Duomo - in the 13th century - but Siena's citizens barely got a chance to enjoy its frescoes before it was filled with debris and abandoned.
Expansion work on the choir beginning in 1317 required dismantling the crypt's vault, while the construction of the baptistery soon destroyed the facade. The crypt was subsequently used as a storeroom for construction materials and closed up for good.
It lay unseen for nearly 700 years until its re-discovery during routine excavations in the Duomo in 1999. The room opened to the public in the fall of 2003.
What to See
The crypt is rectangular, bare and of little architectural interest, but that is all the better to appreciate what remains of a magnificent fresco cycle painted c.1270-80.
Originally, there was a full cycle of Old Testament stories along the top of the wall and a parallel cycle of New Testament stories below. Sadly, the former have been lost due to the destruction of the vault.
Among the scenes that remain are the Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, Kiss of Judas, Crucifixion, Deposition, and Entombment of Christ. The frescoes are in vibrant colors (primarily red, blue and gold) and full of feeling.
The artists are not known for certain, but probably included Dietisalvi di Speme, Guido di Graziano and Rinaldo da Siena. They were most likely assisted by a young Duccio di Buoninsegna.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Crypt; Cripta |
| Type of site: | Crypt |
| Faith: | Roman Catholic |
| Status: | Museum |
| Dates: | c.1280 |
| Architecture: | Gothic |
| Location: | East side of Duomo, Siena, Italy |
| Phone: | 0577/283048 |
| Photography: | Prohibited |
Getting There
The Crypt is on the east side of the Duomo, accessed by a monumental flight of stairs on the south side (right side as you face the front of the cathedal).
Travel Resources
Article Sources
- Personal visit (April 30, 2008).
- Siena: Cathedral - Baptistery Guide (Sillabe, March 2008), 97.
- Cripta - Fodors.com
- Duomo - Frommers.com
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of the Crypt. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Siena Map or get our free Google Earth download.
