Bologna Cathedral, Metropolitan Cathedral in Bologna, Italy
Bologna Cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese and a baroque Catholic church in the city center. Its red brick facade features three portals and decorative elements designed by Alfonso Torreggiani between 1743 and 1747.
A church first stood on this site in 1028 and included a Roman bell tower. After fire destroyed much of the building in 1141, Pope Lucius III consecrated the rebuilt cathedral in 1184.
The polychrome marble high altar stands at the center of worship and draws the faithful during Mass. Visitors often pause in a side chapel to view the terracotta group of the Marys grieving over Christ, created by Alfonso Lombardi.
The entrance opens onto Piazza Galvani and welcomes visitors throughout the day, except during services. The interior is free to explore, and guests should speak quietly and dress modestly to respect the sacred nature of the space.
The original Roman bell tower survived the fire of 1141 and still stands next to the baroque structure. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII granted the building the rank of Metropolitan Church, making it the mother church of the Archdiocese of Bologna.
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