San Leo Cathedral, building in San Leo, Italy
San Leo Cathedral is a Romanesque structure in a hilltop village, built directly on rock without foundations. Its interior is divided into three aisles by pillars and columns decorated with reliefs showing animals that symbolize vices and virtues.
Construction of this cathedral began in the 12th century, replacing an earlier religious site from the 7th century. The completion of this Romanesque structure marked an important moment in the region's religious architecture.
The entrance portal displays sculptured busts of Saints Leo and Valentino, while Roman columns with Corinthian capitals speak to this location's ancient past.
You can visit the cathedral and reach the crypt beneath the main floor via two internal staircases, where you can see early architectural elements. The building requires comfortable walking shoes and involves climbing stairs, especially if you want to explore the crypt below.
The crypt beneath the structure preserves complete Romanesque elements with round arches and cruciform pillars, making it a rare example of this early building style. Within this underground chamber sits a sarcophagus cover from an early saint, underlining the age of this place.
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