Parma - Duomo di Parma

Parma, part of the Holy Roman Empire since Charlemagne´s times, was locally ruled by its bishops. During the long Investiture Controversy, Parma was (mostly) member of the Imperial party ("Ghibellini"). Two of Parma´s bishops even became antipopes: Càdalo as Honorius II and Guibert as Clement III.

A paleochristian basilica had existed here in the 6th century. This church burnt down and got replaced in the 9th century by Bishop Wibod. This cathedral was destroyed by fire in 1055.

Bishop Càdalo (= antipope Honorius II) begun the construction of the Duomo di Parma in 1059. The Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta got consecrated in 1106, but the new church was heavily damaged by the earthquake in 1117 and had to be restored.

Originally the Duomo was erected on a Latin cross plan, with a nave and two transept arms. Later chapels and structures were added, so by now, the plan is pretty complex.

It is actually not allowed, to take photos inside the Duomo di Parma, but nevertheless I took a few. Very few.

The "Descent from the Cross", created and signed in 1178 by Benedetto Antelami, is (for me) the most fantastic work in the Duomo. It is believed that Benedetto Antelami has served as apprentice at Saint-Trophime d'Arles in his early years. So there are parallels to the "style provençal".

Antelami´s signature is above the right cross-beam.