The Duomo in Sienna was the most ornate we visited. We are amazed at the craftsmanship in this cathedral in particular because of the stripes. Just wait. You'll see. The church is made of black and white marble in a striped pattern. How did men work the marble to the precise sizes needed with just hand tools?
This wall lies perpendicular to the church you just saw. It was supposed to be the back wall of an even bigger cathedral; the town's goal was to have the biggest church in the country. The existing church was to be the entry into the larger sanctuary. Sadly, the plague of 1348 depleted both human and capital resources, so the church never reached the dreamed of size. Dave climbed the wall. I took a break.
After his climb, we went inside the church. The stripes are everywhere.
There were many decorative designs in the floor. Some were cordoned off so you couldn't walk on them. Others had cardboard taped over them in an effort to preserve them. We noticed in Florence's Duomo that the different colors of marble must have different densities because the wear on some colors is more than on the other colors.
One of the side rooms to the chapel, contained this ceiling art and books copied and illustrated by Monks. The painstaking detail in this church is over the top. Some complain that it is gaudy. It's a bit much, but when you think of the intention, giving your best to God, you have to stop and pause. Certainly best efforts were given; the craftsmanship is unrivaled. However, as we strolled through the streets of Sienna, we also pondered the question of resources, the well-being of the people at time, and God's desire for our use of his wealth. Does God want big gaudy churches showcasing craftsmanship or does He want us to feed his people and be sure that everyone's basic needs are met?
I'm not sure what the answer is to the question I posed. I don't know that there is an answer, just a point to ponder while we wander.
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