Siena Cathedral floor uncovered longer in 2026 for St. Francis jubilee; new contemporary art contest launched
To commemorate the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi's passing, the marble floor of Siena Cathedral, crafted by 56 local artists over several centuries, will be revealed from June 27 to July 31 and again from August 18 to November 15, 2026. The theme for this event is 'Il Sommo Bene' (The Supreme Good). In collaboration with Palazzo delle Papesse, an international contemporary art competition is being held, focusing on the theme 'The Floor of Siena Cathedral – Wonder of the World'. The cathedral, which began construction in the mid-12th century and was completed in the late 15th century, showcases floor decorations that reached their zenith in the 16th century. Additionally, from November 2 to 8, the 'Progetto San Francesco' will feature a concert in tribute to St. Francis.
Key facts
- The marble floor of Siena Cathedral will be uncovered from June 27 to July 31 and August 18 to November 15, 2026.
- The extended uncovering honors the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi.
- The 2026 theme is 'Il Sommo Bene' (The Supreme Good), from St. Francis's prayer.
- A new international contemporary art competition dedicated to the floor is launched in 2026.
- The competition is organized with Palazzo delle Papesse and open to all media.
- The competition theme is 'The Floor of Siena Cathedral – Wonder of the World'.
- The cathedral was built from the mid-12th century in Romanesque-Gothic style, completed in the late 15th century.
- The floor decoration involved 56 marble inlays and continued into the 19th century.
Entities
Artists
- San Francesco d'Assisi
Institutions
- Opera della Metropolitana
- Opera Laboratori
- Palazzo delle Papesse
- Arcidiocesi di Siena - Colle di Val d'Elsa - Montalcino
- Conservatorio Rinaldo Franci
- Ministero dell'Università e della ricerca
- Artribune
Locations
- Siena
- Italy
- Duomo di Siena
- Libreria Piccolomini
- Cripta
- Battistero
- Museo del Duomo
- Monte della Verna