Overview

In Bologna's very famous medieval Piazza Maggiore, we find the majestic Basilica di San Petronio, which is unique in the world, because its façade has been left unfinished. It was designed by the architect Antonio di Vincenzo. The holy building was entrusted with Bologna's religious and civil powers, and was dedicated to San Petronio, the city's patron. The building works were finished in 1659, but the front of the church remained incomplete, as it still does today. On the marble base of the façade, the beautiful main portal, or Porta Magna, sculptured by Jacopo della Quercia was interrupted by the artist's death while the smaller doors were sculptured by other sculptors including Alfonso Lombardi, Amico Aspertini, Giovanni di da Modena, and il Parmigianino. Inside the Basilica, with its Italian Gothic influences, are large and surprisingly well-lit, with red hues and tall, rarefied pillars. A number of important historical events have taken place in the Basilica: here, Pope Clement VII crowned Charles V emperor in 1530 and several sessions of the Council of Trent were held. In the 22 side chapels, closed off by some beautiful wrought iron, brass and marble barriers, a huge artistic heritage consisting of paintings and sculptures, has been conserved. Also of great importance is the Meridian line that has been traced on the ground by the astronomer Gian Domenico Cassini in 1655.