Cortona Cathedral, Co-cathedral in Cortona, Italy
Cortona Cathedral is a church building with a central nave and two side aisles divided by columns in a layout influenced by Renaissance architectural ideas. The interior features a painted ceiling from the 19th century with oval windows and a triumphal arch that dominates the upper space.
The building was constructed on the site of a Roman temple and received its official religious status in 1507 when Pope Julius II moved the bishop's seat here. This shift marked an important turning point in the town's spiritual importance and development.
The cathedral holds paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance period that local families commissioned and continue to honor today. These artworks reflect how the community valued religious devotion and artistic expression together.
The building is open for visits during regular hours and offers guided tours that cover both the main structure and the adjacent sixteenth-century bell tower. It is helpful to plan your visit in advance and allow time to explore all the interior details.
The ceiling was painted in the 19th century by local artist Giovanni Brunacci with detailed frescoes that remain visible today. This artistic work is often overlooked by visitors but forms an essential part of how the interior looks and feels.
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