Parma Cathedral, Romanesque cathedral in Parma, Italy
Description
Parma Cathedral is a Romanesque church in Parma featuring a wide sandstone facade divided by three loggia levels and flanked by marble lions at the entrance. A Gothic bell tower topped with a copper angel statue crowns the structure and defines the city's skyline.
History
Construction began in 1074 after a fire destroyed an earlier Christian basilica, with Bishop Guibodo overseeing the initial building phase. The structure reflects the building traditions of its era that shaped Parma's religious identity.
Culture
The cathedral houses major artworks, including Correggio's famous Assumption of the Virgin fresco in the dome and extensive frescoes by Lattanzio Gambara in the central nave. Visitors can admire these works in person and understand the spiritual significance the place holds for Parma.
Practical
The cathedral opens daily for visitors and offers guided tours through a dedicated smartphone application with information about art and architecture. Guests should wear appropriate clothing as it is a sacred space, and can learn more about different areas during any visit.
Did you know?
The crypt contains ancient Roman columns supporting the vaults and preserves fragments of mosaics from the third century. This underground space also holds the tomb of San Bernardo degli Uberti, making this lesser-visited area particularly valuable for art historians and curious guests.
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Emilia-Romagna in Italy has towns like Bologna, Modena, Parma, and Ravenna. Old squares, cathedrals, and historic arcades tell many years of history. The region has several sites listed by UNESCO. These include the Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna, the porticoes in Bologna, and the buildings in Modena....
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Assumption of the Virgin
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San Giovanni Evangelista
110 m
Pinacoteca Stuard
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Palazzo Sanvitale
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Palazzo Vescovile
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Antica Spezieria di San Giovanni
86 m
Palazzo Dalla Rosa Prati
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Frise de saint Jean à Parme
149 m
Diocesan Museum of Parma
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Casa del Suono
208 m
San Ludovico
161 m
Sant'Elisabetta
213 m
Monumento ai Caduti di tutte le guerre
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Seminario Maggiore (Parma)
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Organi della cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta a Parma
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Piazza del Duomo
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Monastero e spezieria di San Giovanni
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