(ANSA) - Siena, April 5 - Visitors of the main cathedral of the Tuscan city of Siena will be offered limited access to the uppermost part of the building, which has been closed off to the general public for centuries, thanks to an initiative organized by the Opera-Civita Group. The unveiling of the so-called "Sky" section of the Siena cathedral follows a long renovation period and will take place on Saturday.
Access will be permitted to one small group of viewers at a time, permitting them to admire the intricate creations of grand architects of times gone by. Entry is granted up the two towers that flank the church, which contain spiral staircases that are hidden from general view and take visitors directly up to the Sky sections. Once on top, the itinerary starts from the area above the starred vaults of the right nave of the Cathedral, where small groups are accompanied by a tour guide. Last year, the magnificent ornate marble flooring that embellishes the Siena cathedral was made visible to the general public.
Normally, the inlaid mosaic floor is hidden from sight and protected by wooden planks to ensure it is not scuffed or damaged by the million and more visitors that walk into the church each year.