Churches were once a place of worship. As Christianity grew in
power, so did the pomp and grandeur. With its rise as a king maker
- and often the political enemy in the medieval times, the church
had to create resources to sustain its existence. The continual
offerings, the crusades and the patronage by the kings ensured vast
wealth that was used for aggrandizement. Its apogee was reached in
St. Peters Basilica in Rome that is as much a statement of power as
piety.
Your travel to destination Italy would remain incomplete without
a trip to the some of the most magnificent churches and cathedrals.
Even if religiosity puts you off and reminds of wars, their
intrinsic majesty demand your attention. And yes they are great
sign posts of history.
ST. PETER'S BASILICA:
Rising at a spot where the Prince of Apostles - namely St Peters
was crucified. St Peters church is more of a show of papal power.
The Renaissance popes in fact explicitly expressed a wish for
building the largest, most impressive, most jaw-dropping cathedral
the world had ever seen. The resulting cathedral partially designed
on Bramante's and Michelangelo's vision, more than lived up to the
expectations. It covers an area of 23000 sq . m with a capacity of
60,000 people. The rich decor of gilded interiors, marble, and
mind-boggling mosaics are topped by countless artworks including
Michelangelo's sublime Pieta. Other sights here are a small museum
of Vatican treasures and the eerie underground grottoes containing
the tombs of former popes. But it's the dome that remains etched in
the mind. The massive (136.57 m) dome is a paraboloid with the
ribbing accentuating its shape. The openings inside are all but
invisible and offer a sensational view of the city and its
surroundings.
THE DUOMO OF FLORENCE:
Dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore, it is typical of Italian
Gothic architecture. The cupola has become a legendary feature of
the Florentine skyline, symbolizing a great cultural tradition and
the city's civic awareness. The apses are exquisitely beautiful and
are matched by the beautiful Porta della Mandela near the
Assumption of the Virgin sculptured by Nanni di Banco .Step inside
to view some fabulous artistic delights that counterpoise the
architecture's taut Gothic forms. Paolo Uccello's equestrian
monuments and the fresco decoration of the clock on the inside
wall, showing four vigorous heads of male saints, the lunettes by
Luca della Robbia above the doors of the Sacristy and the
splendorous stained glass windows are real treats.
THE DUOMO OF SIENA:
Constructed in the 12th century, this cathedral is remarkable
for being one of the most beautiful and ambitious Gothic churches
in Italy. Exquisite -often extravagant- zebra-striped bands of
marble is its leit motif. In fact, the pavement of masterful
mosaics is amongst the masterpieces here, along with an octagonal
pulpit carved by master sculptor Nicola Pisano, and the lavishly
frescoed Piccolomini Library.
BASILICA DI SAN FRANCESCO
(ASSISI):
The cathedral for the patron saint of protector of small animals
and birds - St. Francis-was built by the Franciscan brotherhood
long after he was gone. The frescoes by Giotto's are a highlight
here and were in fact the highpoint of figurative realism in
Italian art , much before the onrushing Renaissance took it to
dizzying heights. carried the technique even further. The cathedral
remains a must see whenever you travel to Umbria in destination
Italy.
THE DUOMO OF ORVIETO:
This marks the transition from the Romanesque to the Gothic
styles. Completed over 3 centuries, it even has the distinction of
sheltering an Italian pope (Clement VII) from the marauding French
soldiers in 1527. The Etruscan origins give it an eerie ambience
which its history does not dispel. The fresco cycles by Fra
Angelico and Luca Signorelli Are worth going miles to see. |
