Keep your shoulders and knees covered modestly for entry to the basilica. The mendicant orders settled in Siena in the 13th century to the edge of the city, so as to build very large churches to welcome numerous faithful. The Basilica of San Domenico is one of the most important surviving Dominican churches of the late Middle Ages. Local name Basilica Cateriniana di San Domenico Location Siena, Italy Also known as Basilica Cateriniana, this beautiful Gothic church is definitely worth visiting for its splendid interior. Set in an ornate reliquary in the Basilica San Domenico in Siena is the dismembered, mummified head of the revered Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380). The basilica of San Domenico is a splendid example of Gothic architecture typical of the Dominican mendicant orders of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. On Sunday tourists are sometimes allowed in for morning services. The Dominicans arrived in Perugia around 1230 and, between 1231 and 1260, they built a primitive church where the Basilica of San Domenico stands today. Basilica of San Domenico in Siena Overview. The remains of Saint Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers , are buried inside the exquisite shrine Arca di San Domenico, made by Nicola Pisano and his workshop, Arnolfo di Cambio and with later additions by Niccolò dell'Arca and the young Michelangelo. Construction on this famous church was started early, in the 13 th century. Religiously it is still the most important church in the city, if not the most prominent. The Basilica of San Domenico is one of the major churches in Bologna, Italy. Built between 1225 and 1265, in the course of the fourteenth century it was enlarged into the simple, majestic form we still see today. Basilica of San Domenico, one of the most important churches in Perugia, overlooks a small square, Piazza Giordano Bruno, and can be seen from all over the city, thanks to the 126 meters high tower.. SHORT HISTORY. The church is magnificent in the simplicity of its design and architecture. Basilica of San Domenico. The Basilica of San Domenico, also known as Basilica Cateriniana, is a basilica church in Siena, Tuscany, Italy, one of the most important in the city. Basilica of San Domenico is one of the richest churches in Bologna in terms of history and art. The Basilica of San Domenico in Bologna is considered one of the most beautiful churches in the city and certainly deserves a visit.Bologna guide will let you discover the hidden beauties that this place holds, including some masterpieces by Michelangelo Buonarroti. Basilica di San Domenico is one of the churches in Siena, Tuscany, which holds extreme significance for its people.It is often referred to as Basilica Cateriniana.. San Domenico from Guzman, the Spanish founder of the Order of Preachers (also known as the Dominican Order or the Dominicans), arrived in Bologna around 1200 and took possession of the area where now his church may be found. Basilica of San Domenico. For centuries it was a popular stop on the pilgrim road to Rome. The overall church has free entry but accessing certain areas requires a small fee. You will visit the four most important churches of mendicant orders in Siena: Basilica of San Domenico, Church of St. Agostino, Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi and Basilica of San Francesco. The Basilica of San Domenico is open every day, although it closes in the middle of the day for several hours.