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MODENA. Originally a Roman city, after the time of the communes it passed to
the Este family, who kept it even after they had lost Ferrara. We will
concentrate our attention on two buildings. First is the Cathedral
(1099-1184) which is, along with San Zeno in Verona and the Baptistery of
Parma, one of the highest points reached by Romanesque architecture in
Italy. Both because of Lanfranco's noble, austere architectural plan and
because of the remarkable sculpture by Wiligelmo, the greatest master of the
day, Modena Cathedral makes am overpowering impression on the visitor.
The high tower, known as the Torre della Ghirlandina, was built by Arrigo da
Campione in 1319. Following Via Cesare Battisti, we come to the vast Ducal
Palace (1634), now a military academy. From here, down Via Belle Arti and
Via Ramazzini we make our way to the Palazzo dei Musei, which houses the
Este Library (with the celebrated Borso d'Este Bible, the masterpiece of
Italian illumination), the important Este Collection of Medals, and, above
all, the extensive Pictures Gallery, with paintings by Costae Tura, Cima da
Conegliano, Dossi, Garofolo, Veronese, Tintoretto, Bassano, Cur reggio,
Nicolb dell'Abate, El Greco and Velasquez.
more on
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Courtesy in part of
Modena Tourist Office
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Torre della Ghirlandina
Photo (c)
Perugia City
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