141 Modena, Italy : Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption and Saint Geminianus: fabulous romanesque

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I was lucky enough to spend a few days in Modena, because a very old friend lives there (you might spot him in the corner of one of the photos), and the cathedral is exceptional.

Assuming you know what the Assumption was all about (think « Beam me up, Son »), you might not know much even so about Saint Geminianus. He was a fourth-century bishop we don’t know a lot about. It is said that he saved Modena from invaders by making heavy fog come down.

The cathedral is romanesque and was opened in the 12th century . Incredible stone reliefs on the outside show well-known bible stories like Adam and Eve being chased out of paradise, Abraham nearly sacrificing his son, Cain killing his brother, and Noah. The ones of God creating Adam then eve are really stunning. All the sculpted reliefs are by Wiligelmo.

Inside you can spend a lot of time marvelling. Great 14th century rood cross, 15th and 16th century nativity sculptures, beautiful pulpit.





































































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