Lodi Cathedral
Encyclopedia
The Cathedral of Lodi (also known as Basilica Cattedrale della Vergine Assunta) is a church in Lodi, Lombardy
, Italy
. It is one of the largest churches in northern Italy.
) were used, ended in 1163. The crypt
was inaugurated with the translation of St. Bassianus's relics on 4 November 1163, at the presence of emperor Frederick I Barbarossa.
The second phase was carried on from 1170 to 1180, although the façade was completed only in 1284. Later, 18th century restorations altered the edifice's appearance, which was however brought back to the original one in 1958–1965.
style; an exception is the large Gothic
entrance portico supported by small columns with lion sculptures at the base. Other features include the large central rose window
and two Renaissance double mullioned windows, similar to those designed by Giovanni Antonio Amadeo
's school for the Certosa di Pavia
. Also present is a niche housing the bronze statue of St. Bassianus, a copy of the original one in gilted copper, dating to 1284 (now in the interior). The massive bell tower, built in 1538–1554 under design by Callisto Piazza
, remained unfinished for military reasons.
.
Between the church and the annexed Bishop's Palace (Palazzo Vescovile), is a court including what remains of the 1484 cloister, designed by Givoanni Battagio and featuring brickwork columns and decorations. The complex also houses a Diocesan Museum of Holy Art.
In the left aisle is a 15th century sculpture group portraying a Dead Christ.
Lombardy
Lombardy is one of the 20 regions of Italy. The capital is Milan. One-sixth of Italy's population lives in Lombardy and about one fifth of Italy's GDP is produced in this region, making it the most populous and richest region in the country and one of the richest in the whole of Europe...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
. It is one of the largest churches in northern Italy.
History
The church was founded on 3 August 1158, the day in which Lodi was refounded after its destruction by the Milanese troops in 1111. the first phase of construction, for which, most likely, materials from the old Laus Pompeia (in what is now Lodi VecchioLodi Vecchio
Lodi Vecchio is a comune in the Province of Lodi in the Italian region Lombardy, located about 25 km southeast of Milan and about 8 km west of Lodi...
) were used, ended in 1163. The crypt
Crypt
In architecture, a crypt is a stone chamber or vault beneath the floor of a burial vault possibly containing sarcophagi, coffins or relics....
was inaugurated with the translation of St. Bassianus's relics on 4 November 1163, at the presence of emperor Frederick I Barbarossa.
The second phase was carried on from 1170 to 1180, although the façade was completed only in 1284. Later, 18th century restorations altered the edifice's appearance, which was however brought back to the original one in 1958–1965.
Façade
The façade, in brickwork, is asymmetrical and is in a typical RomanesqueRomanesque architecture
Romanesque architecture is an architectural style of Medieval Europe characterised by semi-circular arches. There is no consensus for the beginning date of the Romanesque architecture, with proposals ranging from the 6th to the 10th century. It developed in the 12th century into the Gothic style,...
style; an exception is the large Gothic
Gothic architecture
Gothic architecture is a style of architecture that flourished during the high and late medieval period. It evolved from Romanesque architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance architecture....
entrance portico supported by small columns with lion sculptures at the base. Other features include the large central rose window
Rose window
A Rose window is often used as a generic term applied to a circular window, but is especially used for those found in churches of the Gothic architectural style and being divided into segments by stone mullions and tracery...
and two Renaissance double mullioned windows, similar to those designed by Giovanni Antonio Amadeo
Giovanni Antonio Amadeo
thumb|260px|The Colleoni Chapel in Bergamo.Giovanni Antonio Amadeo was an Italian early Renaissance sculptor, architect, and engineer....
's school for the Certosa di Pavia
Certosa di Pavia
The Certosa di Pavia Gra-Car , Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of Grace, is a monastery and complex in Lombardy, northern Italy, situated near a small town of the same name in the Province of Pavia, 8 km north of Pavia...
. Also present is a niche housing the bronze statue of St. Bassianus, a copy of the original one in gilted copper, dating to 1284 (now in the interior). The massive bell tower, built in 1538–1554 under design by Callisto Piazza
Callisto Piazza
Callisto Piazza was an Italian painter.-Biography:Callisto, a member of the Piazza family of painters, was born in Lodi, Lombardy....
, remained unfinished for military reasons.
Interior
The interior has a nave and two aisles, all cross vaulted, separated by cylindrical pilasters in brickwork. Artworks include a polyptych by Callisto Piazza depicting the Massacre of the Innocents, another polyptych by Alberto Piazza with Virgin Assumpted and a 15th century Universal Judgement. Finally, the large apse is decorated by a mosaic executed by Aligi SassuAligi Sassu
Aligi Sassu was an Italian painter and sculptor.-Biography:Aligi Sassu was born in Milan, Lombardy, into a Sardinian-origin family. His father Antonio was one of the founders of the Italian Socialist Party at Sassari in 1894, and had moved to Milan in 1896, where he had married Lina Pedretti in...
.
Between the church and the annexed Bishop's Palace (Palazzo Vescovile), is a court including what remains of the 1484 cloister, designed by Givoanni Battagio and featuring brickwork columns and decorations. The complex also houses a Diocesan Museum of Holy Art.
Crypt
The crpyt, whose entrance features a 12th century bas-relief, is the oldest section of the cathedral. Originally the pavement was 65 cm higher and the vaults were supported by brickwork pilasters. In its center is the altar (1856), which houses the remains of St. Bassianus in a silver case; the latter saw the work of modern artists such as Giosuè Argenti and Tilio Nani. On the left of the high altar is the altar of St. Alberto Quadrelli, bishop of Lodi from 1168 to 1173.In the left aisle is a 15th century sculpture group portraying a Dead Christ.