Duomo
A number of new buildings were erected on the Piazza Grande between the 5th and 7th centuries. The square Piazza has survived to this day almost completely intact. The Basilica that held the relics of Saint Gimignano was built first then followed in 1070 by the bishop’s residence and the Cathedral chapter house. Work began on the Palazzo Comunale and houses on the southeastern part of the Piazza Grande in 1194. The left side of the cathedral boundaries the Piazza to the North while the Palazzo del Vescovo boundaries the West. The old and new Palazzo Comunale were incorporated into one building by the Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower). Il Palazzo del Vescovo is connected to the Cathedral by a private passage. The brick building was first modified at the end of the 15th century and then again in 1776 with another floor being added.
Torre Civica
The Duomo di Modena was founded in 1099 and is one of the best examples of Romanesque design. It was a joint creation by the architect Lanfranco and the sculptor Wiligelmo. In 1106, the relics of Saint Gimignano who was the bishop in the 4th century, were transferred from the old cathedral nearby.
From mid 7th century onwards, the work was entrusted to Maestri Campionesi, skilled workmen from Lugano and continued for the following two hundred years. Between the end of the 7th century and the beginning of the 8th, the crypt was enlarged, the chancel was raised and the roof extended to accommodate the false transept.
The Torre Civica was also heightened along with the cathedral and the two were connected by arches. Known as “Ghirlandina”, the tower is 88 metres (289 feet) tall and is part of the city’s skyline. It was built in two successive periods: The first is represented by the six lower sections attributed to Lanfranco and Wiligelmo and bring to mind the style of Roman towers with their austere and rugged looks. The second relates to the octagonal drum and dome that were the work of Arrigo da Campione between 1261 and 1319
Wiligelmo worked on the cathedral between 1099 and 1115. The main façade houses numerous icons that suggest a promise of salvation to the faithful. His succinct, harsh style is reflected in the figures of the prophets on the main portal and on the overhead figures inspired by stories from Genesis depicting men, animals and imaginary creatures drawn from allegorical beasts of that time.
History, art and culture
Piazza Grande
The city was founded in the 3rd century BC by Celts and later became an important centre for agriculture during the times of the Roman Empire. The well laid-out town of then Roman town of Mutina is easily recognised in the heart of the oldest part of the city and sits on the present Via Emilia. After being ravaged by Barbarian invasions in the 5th and 6th centuries, Modena found new life. In the 9th century, new walls ringed the mediaeval city. Building and development was initially on Episcopal authority then later during the 12th and 13th centuries on local authority. The Duomo that best demonstrates the Romanesque style in Italy was built during this period. After being briefly governed by Mantua in 1289, Modena came once more under the dominion of the Este family who ruled it until 1796.
The Estes brought great changes to the city, especially between the 16th and 18th centuries and encouraged the arts and science. In 1598 when Modena became the seat of the Este Dukedom, the city was enriched with many religious and public buildings that gave it a certain majesty and stateliness. Among these buildings were the Palazzo Ducale and the Palazzo dei Musei. In the 19th century the Hungarian/Este house began modernising the city that in 1900 was subjected to the drastic measure of having its protective walls knocked down.
Duomo e Piazza Grande
Modena lies at the centre of an agricultural and industrial Province. Numerous industries have sprung up around the city, some of which are tied to local agricultural needs (tobacco processing, foodstuffs, farming equipment) as well as metal works and the mechanical industry (foundries, railway construction) and the clothing industry (dress-making and knitware). It almost goes without saying that Modena is known the world over for its production of superlative luxury sports cars like Ferrari, Maserati etc. at nearby Maranello. The city is also home to the famed Italian Military Academy. Not to be forgotten of course are the famous Modena salamis and balsamic vinegar that is made using must from Trebbiano grapes grown on the surrounding hills.
UNESCO INSCRIPTION
The Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena
Inscription N° 827 1997 C (i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
The Committee decided to inscribe this property on the basis of criteria (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), considering that the joint creation of Lanfranco and Wiligelmo is a masterpiece of human creative genius in which a new dialectical relationship between architecture and sculpture was created in Romanesque art.
The Modena complex bears exceptional witness to the cultural traditions of the 12th century and is one of the best examples of an architectural complex where religious and civic values are combined in a medieval Christian town.
