Mantua Cathedral

Mantua, Italy

Mantua Cathedral (Duomo di Mantova) is the seat of the Bishop of Mantua. An initial structure probably existed on the site in the Early Christian era, which was followed by a building destroyed by a fire in 894. The current church was rebuilt in 1395–1401 with the addition of side chapels and a Gothic west front, which can still be seen in a sketch by Domenico Morone (preserved in the Palazzo Ducale of Mantua). The bell tower has seven bells.

After another fire in the 16th century, Giulio Romano rebuilt the interior but saved the frontage, which was replaced however in 1756–61 by the current Baroque one in Carrara marble. Notable characteristics of the Renaissance structure are the cusps, decorated with rose windows on the south side, which end at the Gothic bell tower.

References:

Wikipedia

Address

Piazza Canonica San Pietro 11, Mantua, Italy

See all sites in Mantua

Details

Founded: 1395-1401
Category: Religious sites in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org
www.in-lombardia.it

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Basilica of Sant'Andrea (0,3 km)
Historic Centre of Mantua (0,1 km)
Rotonda di San Lorenzo (0,4 km)
Ducal Palace (0,1 km)
Palazzo del Te (1,7 km)
St. George Castle (0,2 km)
Teatro Bibiena (0,3 km)

Verona Amphitheatre (34,5 km)
Scaliger Tombs (35,2 km)
Juliet's House (35 km)
Santa Maria Maggiore Church (39,8 km)
Sirmione Castle (39,7 km)
Castelvecchio (34,4 km)
Roman Theatre (35,7 km)
Ponte Pietra (35,6 km)
Sant Anastasia Church (35,4 km)

User Reviews

Kristýna Vacardová (2 years ago)
Truly a beautiful cathedral worth a visit. The ceiling is especially interesting. Free entry.

Monika H (2 years ago)
Nice church, interesting speech during the mass

Andrea Nori (3 years ago)
A bautiful place of worship that is definitely worth a visit

Shannon Wentworth (5 years ago)
There are beautiful churches all over Italy, but this is one of my favorites. I could spend hours studying the dome.

Alexandre Nunes de Oliveira (5 years ago)
One of the most beautiful cathedrals I've ever seen. It's impressive how luminous it is and, obviously, the painting decoration is outstanding.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Photo from Flickr, copyright caminanteK

Historic Site of the week

Château de Foix

The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.

In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.