Cathedral of Modena (Duomo di Modena)

The Cathedral, the city’s greatest monument, has always played a role of fundamental importance not only for Modena’s religious life, but also its civic life. Erected by the Modenese community starting from 1099 as a symbol of the community’s independence and as a place of conservation of the remains of its patron St. Geminianus, it is unanimously recognised as one of the masterpieces of Italian and European Romanesque architecture.

As the city’s main church, it was historically linked to the Este family: it was, in fact, often the location of ceremonial celebrations of the ruling house, often with the addition of rich ephemeral decorations. Even today, despite the fact that early 20th century restoration work partially erased the traces of the Este centuries, it remains a treasure trove of Modenese history and art.