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The Basilica di San Petronio is Bologna's main cathedral. Compared with other churches in Italy (like those in Florence and Siena), it looks modest. But that was not the original plan. When construction began in 1390, the grand plan was to build Christendom's largest cathedral, even bigger than Vatican's San Pietro. Still unfinished until the mid-1500s, Pope Pius IV squashed the original builders' dreams when funds were rechanneled to building a university on the eastern side of the church (the Palazzao Archiginnasio). The result was the unfinished facade that we see now, and the church being "demoted" to only the 5th largest in the world.
Despite the unfulfilled dream, San Petronio still boasts beautiful works by major Italian artists. The main doorway was carved by Jacopo della Querica in 1425 depicting the Madonna and Child and biblical scenes. The gothic interiors contain 22 chapels with some outstanding stained glass works by Jacopo of Ulm while Giovanni da Modena and Jacopo di Paolo painted the stunning frescoes.
While entrance to the church is free, non-personal bags (for example, backpacks) are not allowed inside the church and this is strictly enforced. I had to leave my backpack at my hotel - but I was lucky since it was only a few meters from Piazza Maggiore. Leave a Comment Address: Piazza Maggiore
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The huge Basilica was built to honour Petronius, bishop of the town; it is reckoned to be one of the greatest Catholic churches throughout Italy and features a length of 132 metres, a width of 60 metres, a facade of 51 metres and finally a central vault of 41 metres.
The three naves basilica was designed by architect Antonio di Vicenzo, in June 1390,however, the designed construction was never completed because of the great disapproval of the Roman Church. Leave a Comment Address: Piazza Maggiore
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Inside the church, Charles V was crowned king of the empire in 1530 by Pope Clement VII. Very interesting are the 15th-century wooden choir by Agostino de' Marchi, the two majestic organs and the high altar erected in 1547 by Vignola. The church contains the remains of Elisa Bonaparte, sister of Napoleon, and a big sundial, made by Gian Domenico Cassini. Of the 22 art-filled chapels, the most interesting is the Bolognini Chapel (Cappella Bolognini), the fourth on the left as you enter; it's embellished with frescoes representing heaven and hell. An interesting museum is annexed to the church.
Open: Daily 7:30am-1pm and 2-6:30pm (until 6pm Oct-Mar) Leave a Comment
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 San Petronio facade by Polly74
On the eastern side of the basilica, along the Via dell'Archiginnasio, you can see semi-constructed apses jutting from the basilica walls and an incomplete facade. Despite the papal downsizing, the basilica is still the fifth largest in the world.
The central doorway, by sculptor Jacopo della Quercia, dates from 1425 and has exquisite carvings of scenes from the Old and New Testament and a beautiful Madonna and Child Leave a Comment Address: Piazza MaggiorePhone: 051 275805Directions: In the central square Hours: winter: 7:30-13:00, 14:30-18:00; summer: 7:30-13:30, 14:30-18:30
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 by prleprleLeave a Comment Address: Piazza MaggioreDirections: Centre of Town centre
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 by Willettsworld
Open: Daily 7:30am-1pm and 2-6:30pm (until 6pm Oct-Mar) Leave a Comment Address: Piazza Maggiore
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 The main altar by Polly74
The inside of the church is very nice and sone of the chapels contain frescos by Giovanni da Modena and Jacopo di Paolo. Leave a Comment Address: Piazza Maggiore
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 by AggelikiLeave a Comment
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 San Petronio by GillianinaLeave a Comment
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 by ChrsStrl
Much of the interior is taken up by scaffolding, being noisily dismantled.
We then go to Tamborini, the restaurant/ delicatessen where we are to lunch. The exhibition of tortellini making has already begun. The art of making such delicate little ones seems to be very fussy for something so soon eaten. Leave a Comment
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