Modena - Duomo di Modena

In the center of Modena, where the Duomo di Modena (aka "Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e San Geminiano") is placed, churches have existed since the 5th century. After the burial site of Modena's patron Saint Geminianus, a former bishop (+397), was dicovered here, the existing cathedral seemed to small.

The first stone laying for the cathedral of today took place in May 1099, strongly supported by Matilde di Canossa (aka "Matilda of Tuscany"). First architect was Master Lanfranco, described as "maestro ingenio clarus [...] doctus et aptus".

The Duomo di Modena was consecrated in 1184, but the building process continued. It was finally completed in 1322.

The large Gothic rose-window was added in the 13th century by Anselmo da Campione and his workshop called the "Maestri Campionesi". They all originated in from the Lake Como area, where so many gifted sculptors and architects, known as "Magistri Comacini" came from.

The campanile ("Torre Ghirlandina") stands at 86 metres. The structure was set up in 1179 on five floors, but was raised in the following two centuries with the introduction of the octagonal tip.