Reggio Emilia Cathedral

Reggio Emilia Cathedral, or Duomo di Reggio Emilia, stands proudly in the heart of Reggio Emilia, Italy, a testament to centuries of architectural evolution and religious devotion. This magnificent structure, dedicated to Saint Mary of the Assumption, is not only the mother church of the Diocese of Reggio Emilia-Guastalla but also a beacon of the city's rich historical tapestry.

The Historical Tapestry of Reggio Emilia Cathedral

The origins of Reggio Emilia Cathedral are shrouded in the mists of time, with the first documented evidence of its existence dating back to the mid-9th century. However, it is believed that the cathedral's foundations were laid as early as 451 AD, when Bishop Favenzio of Reggio participated in a synod in Milan. The cathedral has witnessed numerous reconstructions and modifications over the centuries, each layer adding to its historical and architectural richness.

In the 9th century, the cathedral and the episcopal palace were fortified with walls by order of Emperor Louis III, following the devastating incursions of the Hungarians, which claimed the life of Bishop Azzo. The 13th century saw the collapse of the original bell tower in 1228, leading to the construction of the current octagonal tower under Bishop Guido da Fogliano in 1268. This tower, adorned with a striking copper statue of the Madonna and Child by Bartolomeo Spani in 1522, remains a defining feature of the cathedral's silhouette.

The Facade: A Symphony of Incompleteness

The facade of Reggio Emilia Cathedral is an intriguing blend of styles and periods, reflecting its incomplete yet captivating nature. The lower part of the facade, designed by Prospero Sogari, known as Il Clemente, in the 16th century, features pilasters framing niches with statues of four saints: Grisante, Venerio, Daria, and Gioconda, the city's protectors. Above the main portal, statues of Adam and Eve, also by Il Clemente, greet visitors with a touch of Michelangelesque inspiration.

The upper portion of the facade, with its Romanesque character, is attributed to the so-called Malaguzzi restoration around 1275. The once-prominent 13th-century frescoes of Christ Pantocrator and angels, which adorned the facade until the 1950s, are now preserved in the Museo Diocesano, shielded from the elements.

Stepping Inside: A Journey Through Art and Architecture

Entering Reggio Emilia Cathedral is akin to stepping into a grand narrative of art and architecture. The interior, designed in a Latin cross layout, spans 73.3 meters in length and features three naves with semicircular apses. The central nave, flanked by arcades on sturdy pillars, leads to the grand dome at the crossing, a masterpiece designed by local architect Messori in 1623. The barrel vaults of the naves, completed by Giuseppe Barlaam Vergnani in 1778, add to the cathedral's monumental feel.

The interior underwent significant renovations starting in 1599 under the guidance of Sienese architect Cosimo Pugliani, who incorporated the ancient Romanesque structure into a Doric entablature. This renovation is a testament to the sculptural prowess of Reggio Emilia during the 15th and 16th centuries, showcasing works by notable sculptors like Bartolomeo Spani and Prospero Sogari.

Exploring the Chapels

The chapels within Reggio Emilia Cathedral are treasure troves of art and history. The Brami Chapel features an altarpiece by Jacopo Palma il Giovane, while the Toschi Chapel, designed by Girolamo Rainaldi, boasts paintings by Giuseppe Cesari, Cristoforo Roncalli, and Domenico Cresti. The Rangone Chapel houses the monumental tomb of Bishop Ugo Rangone, crafted by Prospero Sogari.

The High Altar, adorned with a painting of the Assumption by Federico Zuccari, is a focal point of spiritual and artistic reverence. The Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, with statues of prophets by Paolo Emilio Besenzi and an elaborate marble ciborium crowned by a bronze image of the Risen Christ, stands as a testament to the cathedral's artistic heritage.

Other notable chapels include the Fiordibelli Chapel, featuring a painting by Giovan Francesco Barbieri, known as Guercino, and the Notaries Chapel, home to the revered bas-relief of the Madonna Tacoli, celebrated as the 'Madonna of Health' every November 21st. The cathedral also houses works by artists such as Augusto Mussini, Carlo Bononi, Francesco Vellani, Sebastiano Vercellesi, and Orazio Talami.

Rediscovering Hidden Treasures

Recent restorations have unearthed traces of 13th and 14th-century frescoes in various parts of the nave and crypt, adding to the cathedral's historical allure. Particularly noteworthy are the frescoes in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, painted by Giovanni Giarola, a pupil of Correggio, in the 1530s. The dome frescoes, crafted by Francesco Fontanesi in 1779, further enrich the cathedral's artistic legacy.

The late Gothic wooden choir and the ornate reliquary of Saint Catherine, created by Raffaele Grimaldi with its exquisite French-inspired decoration, are among the cathedral's prized possessions. Archaeological excavations during the cathedral's restoration have also revealed a significant Roman mosaic depicting pagan scenes from the 4th century AD, now preserved in the Museo Diocesano.

A Modern Touch

Between 2005 and 2011, the cathedral underwent innovative liturgical adaptations with contributions from contemporary artists like Jannis Kounellis, Hidetoshi Nagasawa, Ettore Spalletti, and Claudio Parmiggiani. These modern interventions have seamlessly blended with the cathedral's historical fabric, creating a harmonious dialogue between past and present.

Reggio Emilia Cathedral is not just a place of worship; it is a living museum, a testament to the city's enduring spirit and artistic heritage. Whether you are an art aficionado, a history enthusiast, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to this magnificent cathedral is sure to leave you inspired and awestruck.