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Bologna
The Bologna Cathedral
The cathedral of Bologna obtained the title 'Metropolitana' in 1582, when the bishopric of the city became an archdiocese under Pope Gregory XIII. The earliest evidence of the building dates back to the 10th century, but its roots go back to the beginning of the Christian era.
The cathedral has undergone several changes over the centuries, as it was ravaged by fire in 1131 and damaged by an earthquake in 1222.
The appearance it has today is due to architects Floriano Ambrosini, Alfonso Torreggiani and Cosimo Morelli, who renovated it in 1605. However, this caused the loss of the original Romanesque-Gothic design.
Inside the church it is possible to admire paintings by Prospero Fontana, Ludovico Carracci, Marcantonio Franceschini and Donato Creti and two sculptural groups: a wooden Crucifix between the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist and a Lamentation of Christ.
The bell tower is 70 meters high and ranks as the second highest tower in the city, although it is actually made up of two towers built at different times placed one inside the other.
The bell inside the belfry is the largest bell that can be rung "Bolognese style," that is, rhythmically and by rotating it completely, and weighs 33 hundred kilos.
From the tower, it is possible to enjoy an impressive view of the city center and the hills.
The cathedral has undergone several changes over the centuries, as it was ravaged by fire in 1131 and damaged by an earthquake in 1222.
The appearance it has today is due to architects Floriano Ambrosini, Alfonso Torreggiani and Cosimo Morelli, who renovated it in 1605. However, this caused the loss of the original Romanesque-Gothic design.
Inside the church it is possible to admire paintings by Prospero Fontana, Ludovico Carracci, Marcantonio Franceschini and Donato Creti and two sculptural groups: a wooden Crucifix between the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist and a Lamentation of Christ.
The bell tower is 70 meters high and ranks as the second highest tower in the city, although it is actually made up of two towers built at different times placed one inside the other.
The bell inside the belfry is the largest bell that can be rung "Bolognese style," that is, rhythmically and by rotating it completely, and weighs 33 hundred kilos.
From the tower, it is possible to enjoy an impressive view of the city center and the hills.