San Petronio Cathedral in Bologna: Incomplete Facade
After walking tour of Modena, we set off for Bologna. It was a long day, we stay put in hotel for a good rest. Next day was planned for walking tour of Bologna. San Petronio Cathedral was the marked high in the list of things to do in Bologna.
Did you know Bologna has the world’s fifth largest Basilica? One of the main reasons for me to stop over at Bologna. Italy is home to some of the largest churches in the world. Milan has the third largest one and now I was standing in front of the fifth largest one.
It was raining that day, through the rain drops San Petronio Cathedral in Bologna was a sight to behold. Not exactly beautiful as Milan’s but definitely it had a grand aura around it. Bologna is located in the heart of Italy between Florence and Venice.
The incomplete facade of San Pietro Cathedral in Bologna.
Bologna Cathedral was a disappointment from a photographers’ point of view. No photography allowed inside, we all were strictly instructed. The facade of Bologna Cathedral is such a contrast to the colorful facade of Florence Cathedral. While the upper half was dark, the lower half was embalmed with colorful marble friezes.
The interior was grand and strikingly beautiful. It will be a long time before those images erode away from my memories. Rules have changed it seems after 2010. I have read reviews where the tourists mention non commercial photography is allowed.
History of San Pietro: Series of Calamities
The history of the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Pietro is pock-marked by a series of calamities.
- The origins of the cathedral trace back to the ancient times, with some researchers suggesting that it was one of the earliest structures designated for religious purposes, dating all the way back to the 4th century AD.
- In 906 AD, the church, which was situated outside the city walls, was unexpectedly ravaged by fire. This event led to its reconstruction within the protective confines of the city walls. These walls safeguarded the remnants of the ancient Roman city of Bononia, and their remnants can still be observed today. The rebuilt church, measuring a length of 57 m, had a brief existence.
- Tragically, another fire engulfed it in 1141, resulting in its complete destruction. Rebuilding commenced once more.
- In 1184, the new church was completed and consecrated by Pope Lucio III, originally known as Ubaldo Allucingoli. Even with the divine intervention sought through its consecration, the cathedral’s fate remained uncertain.
- In 1222, an earthquake struck Bologna, causing the roof of the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Pietro to collapse. However, it was reconstructed once again in subsequent efforts to restore its grandeur.
- Another significant event occurred in 1433, when the “miracle of rain” took place; a miraculous event has been associated with the sacred effigy. In July 1433, amidst relentless downpours, a decision was made to hold a procession carrying the image of Madonna col Bambino to the city center, imploring for the cessation of the heavy rains. Due to the sudden cessation of the inclement weather, it was decided to establish an annual tradition of repeating the procession as an expression of gratitude.
- Importantly, since 2021, the Sanctuary and its porticoes have been recognized as part of the UNESCO Heritage, highlighting their cultural and historical significance.
Facade Details of San Petronio Cathedral
However to make up for the loss of opportunity to photograph the interiors I focused more on the exteriors then. I tried to capture Facade Details of San Pietro Cathedral Bologna to the minutest detail.
Construction of San Petronio Cathedral Bologna
Bologna Cathedral is the 6th largest in Europe. Dimensions: It is 132 meters long, 60 meters wide and 45 meters high.
Construction began in 1390, based on a project by architect Antonio di Vincenzo. Work on the basilica continued for centuries. In 1514 there were plans to expand and enlarge the cathedral to dimensions: 224 meters in length and 150 meters in width.
That would make it bigger than St. Peter’s in Rome. But the Catholic Church would not see to that.
Construction of Bologna cathedral spanned several centuries. A cathedral existed at the same spot previously. Unfortunately it was totally devastated by fire in 1141. The construction for Bologna Cathedral started since then and went on till 18th century. But the facade is still incomplete.
The construction of the church was started with the intention of making it the largest duomo in the world, but in 1569 Pope Pius IV blocked the construction, the facade was never completed. That explains why the upper part had a finish with bricks, a contrast with wonderful detailing in pink marbled lower part.
I read in one of the sites that jealous Popes stalled the construction on some pretext or another by diverting the funds. Pius IV gave preference to the new university complex (the Archiginnasio) only 12 meters away from San Petronio.
In 1530 it was chosen by Pope Clement VII as the place to crown Charles V Holy Roman Emperor.
Photo Essay of Facade Details of San Petronio Cathedral in Bologna
Marbles twisted like ropes, taken along the archway of the doors, marbles chiseled with stories – ageless and timeless intricately carved beautiful facades. I ran my fingers over the twists and turns on them. My sensory nerves trying to grasp the beauty all at the same time.
The cathedral was decorated by some of the finest artists of the time:
- Jacopo della Quercia made sculptures that were on the main gate. These were used as a model by Michelangelo for his works.
- Michelangelo made a huge bronze statue of Pope Julius II. It is more popular as a lost work today because an angry mob destroyed the work in 1511.
- I had read that there is one bas relief by Properzia de’Rossi, one of the first Renaissance woman sculptors. But I couldn’t spot it in the huge interior of the cathedral. Do look out for it.
Biggest Meridian Line
You will find the biggest meridian line in the world on the floor of the cathedral. Pity I don’t have the picture. It was designed by the well-known astronomer Giovanni Cassini.
In the mid 17th century Cassini taught astronomy at the University of Bologna. He created a new line to replacing the previous one made in 1576. This gigantic time device, 67 meters long, was completed in 1657. It was widely appreciated and accepted in the scientific community then.
Even today this meridian is accurate in setting the day of the year.
Grand Interiors of Bologna Cathedral
The interior of St. Petronio’s Cathedral in Bologna showcases a unique Gothic style, distinct from the somber atmosphere found in northern European churches. This church is oriented along the north-south axis; the six sections of the vault in the central nave seamlessly integrate with the rest of the structure, despite being constructed at a later stage.
The basilica is divided into a central nave and two smaller side aisles. The design is centered on a harmonious interplay of white and red, forming a striking dichotomy.
During the prime daylight hours, luminosity gracefully filters through the circular windows of the naves and the chapel windows, creating mesmerizing light effects.
The red hues of the pillars beautifully contrast with the white walls, evoking a sense of upward momentum without feeling cold.
Girolamo Rainaldi oversaw the completion of the pointed arch vaults that enclose the basilica during the years 1646 to 1658, resolving years of debate concerning the desired height of the vault.
Along the walls, one can find twenty-two chapels, including the Aldrovandi Chapel which houses the relics of St. Petronio. Noteworthy elements of the design include an impressive, unidentified crucifix positioned above the main altar made from cedar wood in 12th century.
Don’t forget to notice the world’s largest sundial created by Giovanni Cassini on the ceiling of the left nave in the Basilica. Its accuracy is quite impressive, with a margin of error of approximately 10 minutes. It is believed that during the medieval era, the Vatican relied on this sundial to determine the date for Easter Sunday, emphasizing its significance.
Location of San Petronio Cathedral in Bologna
It is located a short distances from Piazza Maggiore. 3 minutes walking distance from Piazza del Nettuno.
Photography Tip for San Pietro Cathedral
The Bologna San Pietro Cathedral is situated on a wide street like St. Indipendenza, yet capturing a complete picture of the cathedral is difficult. The height of the church’s facade, as it looms over St. Indipendenza, obstructs the possibility of capturing it in its entirety. Use a wide-angle camera for photographing San Pietro from below, or from a window or balcony of the neighboring houses.
I have taken photographs of architectural details of the incomplete facade of Bologna Cathedral.
Bologna Cathedral Tourism Information
Address: Via dell’Indipendenza, 7, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy
Google Coordinates: 44.4962561663132, 11.343194992056219
Tickets: It is a free sight.
Timings: Sunday – 8 AM to 7 PM, Other days – 7 AM to 7 PM.
IMPORTANT: Visiting the Treasure requires a reservation, while the Tower Bell can be visited every Saturday between 2 PM and 4.30 PM, with an admission fee of 5 euros. Additionally, during the summer, the visit schedule is extended from 7 PM to 11 PM.
When is the descent of the Madonna Di San Luca in the cathedral of San Pietro?
The Madonnas descend from the sanctuaries into the city in May, during the period of the Rogations.
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I've visited Italy about eight times but, never, Bologna. I hear the food there is some of the best in Italy. The church is beautiful. Too bad they did not even allow non-flash photography. The outside is stunning.
Its a shame photography is not allowed inside!
Gorgeous photographs!
Hi Indrani! Bologna is a wonderful town… and a greta University. Even in the rain…
I’m going to be offline working in a «remote» location next week, but left you in a new destination in Blogtrotter Two… Enjoy and have a great week!
Hi Indrani, beautiful pictures! It's a pity photography is not allowed inside… 🙁
Even the exterior shots are very impressive.
The outside is beautiful, so I can imagine the inside is truly stunning.
beautiful pictures, nice details
You got so many beautiful photos…on the outside. Too bad about the photography ban!
Bella Bella, Indrani!
Warm Aloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral
Awesome!! If the outside is so beautiful,I wonder how it would have been, inside!
Gorgeous details, Indrani.
Any particular reason why photography was not allowed inside? Generally you do not have such restrictions, except maybe that the flash might disturb those in prayer
Very fine post about the Cathedral of San Pietro in Bologna. In the small pictures you well describe the beautiful details too.
Happy weekend 🙂
Very nice trip and beautiful photos!
Utterly gorgeous.
Love it! It's amazing.
Wow.. what a beautiful place. I love that dash of bright blue of the umbrella in that first pic too.
It amazes «Louis» how stone can be turned into such beautiful shapes.
While photography wasn't allowed inside, the photographs in your mind will last and last…
A beautiful Cathedral (but I haven't been there..), and with beautiful carvings, which you show usin details, beautiful Indrani! 🙂
The grandness expose extreme in these exterior images, to imagine how might be inside. Nice being here after long time 🙂
Lovley details and superb captures!
Beautiful place. Even the exteriors are grand.
nice
Gorgeous cathedral and superb captures.. love the one with the turquoise tomb and a flag pole!!
🙂
have a lovely fun weekend ahead!!
very nice, just hope these beautiful buildings will never be destroyed by earthquakes like some of our.
Indrani, It is lovely how you describe the beauty of the ancient buildings. Yes, sometimes it is a disappointment if you are not allowed to take pictures inside. You have done well to show the spectacular facades of the cathedral.
Spectacular beauty and wonderful shots. No wonder people fainted when presented with so much beauty a couple of hundred years ago.
The exterior shots are fantastic. What a beautiful cathedral.
Oh, if I ever make it to Bologna, I will have to bring a sketchbook! I have a hard time when they say "no photography inside."
Lovely details you captured.
lovely architecture. i bet the interior is equally impressive. have a wonderful week.
It's too bad you couldn't get any interior shots, but the detail in the exterior pictures you could take is stunning.
the structure with a turquoise dome is so elegant…
Gorgeous cathedral and superb captures as always, Indrani! I love the detail you've included! Fantastic! Have a wonderful weekend!
Sylvia
Hello Indrani
Lovely detail pictures…i like them very much….my compliments.
greetings, JOOP