Footsteps of Saint Catherine
Self-Guided TourFollow the life and legend of Italy's patron saint, a 14th-century mystic who influenced popes and politics. This narrative journey visits the places where she lived, prayed, and experienced her visions. It provides a deeply spiritual and historical perspective on the city, exploring how religion permeated everyday life during the Middle Ages.
SURFACE BREAKDOWN
ELEVATION PROFILE
WHY WE LOVE THIS ROUTE
It offers a compelling human story, anchoring the grand architecture and grand history of the city to the remarkable life of a single, influential woman.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- • The sanctuary is closed during lunch hours, so plan to visit early in the morning.
- 1ARCHITECTURE
Branda Fountain
FONTEBRANDAThe monumental medieval fountain provided water for the saint's father, who worked here as a cloth dyer.
to next stop - 2HIGHLIGHT
Sanctuary of Saint Catherine
SANTUARIO DI SANTA CATERINAThe humble family home turned ornate sanctuary preserves the rooms where the young mystic first experienced divine visions.
FULL PLACE DETAILS
OVERVIEW & STATS
- Established
- In 1700, making it 326 years old
ARCHITECTURE & HERITAGE
- Architectural Styles
- Renaissance
to next stop - 3HIGHLIGHT
Basilica of Saint Dominic
BASILICA DI SAN DOMENICOThe vast, echoing nave holds a gilded chapel specifically designed to house the saint's venerated relic.
FULL PLACE DETAILS
OVERVIEW & STATS
- Established
- In 1226, making it 800 years old
ARCHITECTURE & HERITAGE
- Heritage Status
- Part Of Unesco World Heritage Site
- Architectural Styles
- Gothic
WEB & AMENITIES
to next stop - 4HIGHLIGHT
Hospital of the Staircase
SANTA MARIA DELLA SCALAThe historic hospital wards showcase where the saint dedicated herself to caring for victims during the horrific plague outbreaks.
FULL PLACE DETAILS
OVERVIEW & STATS
- Established
- In 1970, making it 56 years old
WEB & AMENITIES
Other Self-Guided Tours
Check out other routes in Siena
Gothic Architecture Trail
This tour focuses on the stunning architectural unity that defines the city's golden age. It traces the evolution of Sienese Gothic design, from early fortified towers to elaborate, multi-coloured marble facades. By observing the distinct pointed arches, slender columns, and crenelated rooflines, you can read the history of a wealthy republic obsessed with beauty and civic pride.
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Contrada Culture Walk
Dive into the fiercely loyal neighbourhood system that defines the city's social fabric. This tour hunts for the subtle and overt symbols of the seventeen contrade—the animal flags, the ceramic plaques, and the dedicated baptismal fountains. It is an exploration of living history, revealing how medieval tribalism evolved into a passionate, modern-day community structure.
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Alternative Ways to Tour the City
Switch your pace. Discover curated routes by bike, foot, or self-guided exploration.
Medieval Alleys Walk
This walk deliberately avoids the main commercial streets, seeking out the narrowest, most atmospheric brick alleyways in the historic centre. It focuses on the architectural details, dramatic archways, and sudden, surprising viewpoints that define the city's unique urban fabric. It is a quiet, contemplative journey through the shadows of the past.
Chianti Castles Trail
Heading north, this ride weaves through the lush vineyards and dense oak forests of the world-famous Chianti wine region. The path connects several historic estates and medieval fortified hamlets. The landscape here is softer and greener, characterized by perfectly aligned vines and ancient stone walls.