Modena Cathedral
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Criteria | Cultural: i, ii, iii, iv |
| Reference | 827 |
| Inscription | 1997 (21st Session) |
Modena Cathedral, the cathedral, or "Duomo" in Italian, of Modena, Italy, is one of the most important Romanesque buildings of Europe and a World Heritage Site. The body of the late famed tenor Luciano Pavarotti, a native of Modena, is lying in state in the Duomo, and funeral services for him will be held there.
Construction
Work on the Cathedral began in 1099, under the direction of the master builder Lanfranco, over the site of the sepulchre of Saint Geminianus, Modena's patron saint. Two previous churches had been constructed on the site since the fifth century, but they had both been destroyed. The Saint's remains are still exhibited in the cathedral's crypt.
Embellishment
After Lanfranco's work, the Cathedral was embellished by Anselmo da Campione and his heirs, the so-called "Campionese-masters". The current façade therefore exhibits different styles. The majestic rose-window was added by Anselmo in the 13th century, while the two lions supporting the entrance's columns are of Roman age, probably discovered while digging the foundations.
Façade
The façade has also notable reliefs by Wiligelmus, a contemporary of Lanfranco's; these include portraits of prophets and patriarchs, and most of all the Biblical Stories, a masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture. The scholars have pointed out the splendid achievements in the creation of Adam and Eve, the original sin and the story of Noah.
The side gates are also noteworthy. On Piazza Grande, the Porta Regia ("Royal Gate"), also by the campionesi, and the shorter Porta dei Principi ("Princes' Gate"), decorated with a relief depicting episodes of the life of Saint Geminianus, by a pupil of Wiligelmus'. On the northern side is the Porta della Pescheria ("Fish-Market Gate"), with reliefs inspired by the cycle of the years' twelve months (on the doorposts) and tales from the Breton Cycle of King Arthur (on the arch).
Interiors
The interior is divided into three naves. Between the central nave and the crypt is a marble parapet by Anselmo da Campione portraying the Passion of Christ, including the Last Supper. The pulpit is by Arrigo da Campione, decorated with small terracotta statues. Notable also the wood crucifix from the 14th century.
The Duomo houses also the nativity scenes by two great Modenese artistis: Antonio Begarelli's one (1527) and, in the crpyt, Guido Mazzoni's one (1480), also known as the Madonna della Pappa ("Madonna of the Pap").
The Torre della Ghirlandina is annexed to the church.