In the heart of Siena, Italy, within the historic Basilica of San Domenico, lies one of Christianity’s most extraordinary and revered relics—the mummified head of Saint Catherine of Siena. A towering spiritual figure of the 14th century, Saint Catherine was a mystic, theologian, patron saint of Italy, and later declared a Doctor of the Church, making her one of the most influential women in Christian history.
The relic’s journey dates back to 1381, when, by order of Pope Urban VI, Saint Catherine’s head was separated from her body and transported from Rome to her hometown of Siena. While her body remains interred at Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome, her head is preserved in a richly adorned chapel dedicated entirely to her within the basilica.
Alongside the head, the thumb of Saint Catherine is also safeguarded in a smaller reliquary. This sacred relic plays a ceremonial role during the International Festival of Saint Catherine, where it is traditionally used to bless Italy and the Armed Forces—underscoring her enduring national and spiritual significance.
Surrounding the relics are stunning Renaissance frescoes and artworks that vividly portray pivotal moments of Saint Catherine’s life, her mystical visions, and her profound influence on the Church and papacy during a turbulent era. The artistic setting enhances the solemnity of the site, blending faith, history, and art into a deeply moving experience.
