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.

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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.

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Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

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