San Michele Maggiore, Romanesque basilica in Pavia, Italy.
San Michele Maggiore is a basilica in Pavia built of ochre sandstone, with a Latin cross plan, a nave and two aisles, and a transept 38 metres long that projects strongly from the body of the church. At the crossing rises an octagonal dome about 30 metres high, the earliest of its form in Lombardy. The pale beige and grey facade has a steep gable topped by a stone cross, pilaster strips, two round windows flanking a cross-shaped opening, and three arched portals with carved surrounds.
Construction of the current basilica began in the late 11th century on the site of an earlier church that burned down in 1004. Over the following centuries the building was expanded and gained its present Romanesque form.
The sandstone facade carries numerous sculptures with religious and secular themes, showing medieval craftsmanship. These carvings give visitors an insight into the visual language and beliefs of that period.
Three entrance doors lead to each of the naves, allowing visitors to enter the interior from multiple sides. The northern transept has its own access, used during events or for visitor groups.
Only one coronation took place in the present building: Frederick Barbarossa was crowned King of Italy there on Sunday 17 April 1155. The earlier kings, from Berengar I in 888 to Henry II in 1004, were crowned in the previous church on the site.
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