Sovana - Cattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo

Sovana, now a small town with a population of less than 500, was an important place during the early medieval period. A bishopric existed here already since the 6th century. Pope Gregory VII (aka "Ildebrando da Soana"), one of the key figures of the 11th century, was born here. The construction of the Cathedral was probably started, when Gregory VII was in power (1073-1085), but the progress was very slow.

The portal, seen here, was completed within the 14th century, but - carvings are dated to pre-Romanesque times. According to Morretti/Stopano ("Romane toscane") these carvings were (re)used here.

Seen on the left is a very clumsy mermaid. Above two birds flanking a "Tree of Life", a variation of the two birds drinking from a chalice. To the right is a warrior on horseback. Horses must have been pretty small in those days..