Siena - Duomo di Siena

The construction of the cathedral of today started in 1196, about 150 years later, the church may have been completed, but a massive addition of the cathedral was planned in 1339.

It would have more than doubled the size of the structure and so it would have been larger than (old) Saint Peter in Rome. This cathedral was never completed.

The interior of the Duomo is rather stunning, with black-and-white striped pillars and ornate decoration on every surface. The pavement of Cathedral features etched and inlaid marble panels created from 1372 to 1547.

This elephant symbolizes Rome (see the complete picture on the previous uplaod). Is this a "medieval elephant" . or one of the first "modern elephants"?

Hanno was an Indian elephant given to Pope Leo X by King Manuel I of Portugal. Hanno reached Rome in 1514 and became a favourite of the papal court and was featured in processions. Hanno was very popular - and died two years later from complications of a treatment for constipation with gold-enriched laxative.

The elephant seen here is very precise - maybe this is indeed Hanno.