Modena
The History of Modena Cathedral
Hello everyone! Today I will tell you the history of Modena Cathedral, one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city.
Before the "New" Cathedral
Before talking about the current cathedral, we need to go back in history. Modena, once called Mutina, was a Roman colony that was destroyed by invasions, earthquakes, and floods in the Middle Ages. The inhabitants then moved to a new city, called Cittanova. However, the bishop continued to reside at the main church of Mutina, where the remains of Modena's patron saint, San Geminiano, were kept. Around the church, a new settlement was formed that became the center of the new city.
Building the Cathedral
In the middle of the 11th century, the church that housed the relics of San Geminiano was replaced by a larger one, but its construction proved to be of poor quality and threatened to collapse a few years after its completion.
It was then decided to build a new cathedral and the architect Lanfranco was commissioned for the job. The church was built on the site of San Geminiano's tomb and used the foundations of the previous church as a base.
The Ghirlandina
Next to the cathedral stands the Civic Tower, better known as the Ghirlandina. This 86-meter bell tower was built following the construction of the cathedral in 1179. The Ghirlandina also houses a bell, the largest in the region.
San Geminiano's Crypt
The crypt of the cathedral houses the relics of San Geminiano, kept in a simple urn from the 4th century. Every year, on the occasion of the saint's feast day, the glass case that houses the urn is opened and the remains are exhibited for the devotion of the faithful.
Minor Basilica
In 1934, Modena Cathedral was elevated to the dignity of a Minor Basilica by Pope Pius XI.
World Heritage Site
In 1997, Modena Cathedral, the Civic Tower, and Piazza Grande were added to the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Conclusion
Modena Cathedral is one of the masterpieces of Romanesque architecture and still represents the heart of the city. Thanks to its architectural beauty and millennial history, it has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city.
