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During the Middles Ages when the Duomo was built, the most powerful towns in Tuscany (and indeed throughout most of Europe) civic pride was expressed by the construction of a cathedral, but Siena's pride seemed to go even further by incorporating it's municipal colours.

Black and white are the colours found on the civic coat of arms of Siena and are linked to the black and white horses of the legendary founders of the city: Senius and Aschius who were the sons of Remus, one of the co-founders of Rome.

The finest carving in the interior is Nicola Pisano’s Pulpit, carved between the end of 1265 and November 1268. 

This pulpit, made of Carrara marble, was sculpted with the extensive participation of his son Giovanni Pisano and his assistants Arnolfo di Cambio, Lapo di Ricevuto and several other artists.

This is the earliest remaining work in the cathedral. Nicola Pisano was given this commission due to his fame by the Pisa pulpit.

This pulpit, resembling the Pisa pulpit but larger, is even more ambitious and is considered his masterpiece.

The whole message of the pulpit is concerned with the doctrine of Salvation and the Last Judgment.

Some of the columns rest on lions or lionesses while the central column is supported by a sculpture of the seven liberal arts and philosophy, a subject emphasizing how man can perceive God through intellectual means in addition to faith.

The octagonal pulpit is supported by 9 columns and is beautifully decorated. 

Sound: Mina – Nada te turbePictures: Daniela IacobArangement: Sanda Foişoreanu