Museo dell' Opera, Siena

Our next stop was at the Museo dell’ Opera, one of the oldest private museums established in Italy. It is located in what was going to be the right aisle of the New Cathedral, the name of the proposed Cathedral extension, connected to the Facciatone.

Founded in 1869, the museum is home to the extraordinary collection of 14th century Sienese marble statuary from the façade of the cathedral. Sculpted by Giovanni Pisano, between 1285 and 1297, they stand each side of the main aisle leading towards the highlight of the first floor, the magnificent stained-glass window made by Duccio di Buoninsegna between 1287 and 1290.

The stained-glass window with its six meters in diameter has three stories of the Virgin in the vertical band such as the Burial, the Assumption and the Coronation. The intense blue of the backgrounds, the brilliant colours of the garments, together with the delicate pink chosen for the complexions, this piece of art is the worthy highlight. Words cannot describe how impressive it is.

One thing we enjoyed about this museum is that it was not packed full of items, allowing the ones on display to shine and get the attention they deserve. It was an easy walk through the floors, admiring and marvelling that pieces of art, manuscripts and wooden sculptures have been so well preserved throughout the centuries. It is just so hard to fathom how they have survived, and some are still in amazing condition. The history of this place, of Italy, is one that has intrigued and interested us. We aren’t usually big museum goers, but we are glad we ventured into this one.Read more