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, descibed 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.

Many renowned sculptors have worked here during two centuries.

One of them was Wiligelmo, probably like Lanfranco from the area around the Lake Como. He may have designed the Duomo´s facade. For sure, he carved the four large reliefs, that embellish it.

While he created the reliefs, his workshop may have created the smaller carvings of the facade. Here are two. To the right a fight between snakes and lions and to the left two deers sharing one head. Or conjoining twins?