Lodi Cathedral, Romanesque cathedral in Lodi, Italy
Lodi Cathedral is a Romanesque church in Lodi featuring a Gothic entrance portico supported by lion-decorated columns, a large rose window, and Renaissance double-mullioned windows. The interior is divided into sections by tall columns and arches, creating distinct areas for worship and display of religious objects.
Construction started in 1158 after the previous church was destroyed by Milan's forces, with Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa present at the crypt's dedication in 1163. The building took many decades to complete as it was expanded and decorated gradually over time.
The interior houses artworks spanning several centuries, created by local and regional artists who contributed to the church's decoration over time. These pieces show how the community invested in making this place visually and spiritually meaningful.
The building is accessible from Piazza della Vittoria, where you can visit the main sections and an attached museum. It helps to arrive early in the day since opening hours are limited, giving you time to explore at your own pace without rushing.
The crypt holds a silver case containing the remains of Saint Bassianus, which has rested there since the church's dedication. The northern aisle contains a carved group from the 15th century showing the dead Christ, a work that many visitors pass by without noticing.
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