Siena, Sadism and a Saint's Head
A visit to Siena wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Basilica San Domenico to see the dismembered, mummified head of Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380). Her right thumb also resides in a smaller reliquary not far from her head. At the age of 7, Catherine had her first of many visions, with Jesus on a throne, surrounded by saints. As a teenager, she took a vow of perpetual virginity and gave herself over to prayer and worship. She joined the nunnery and had a vision
