June 9, 1099: The foundation stone of the Cathedral is laid. Just seven years later, in the presence of Matilda of Tuscany and Pope Paschal II, the remains of the patron saint San Geminiano will be transferred here.

We will explore this magnificent example of Romanesque architecture, which, along with the Ghirlandina Tower and the square, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. We will be able to admire the sculptures by the great Wiligelmo, which depict stories from Genesis on the façade, the Main Portal with its column-bearing lions from the Roman necropolis, the Pescheria Gate with scenes from the life of King Arthur, and the

magnificent Regia di Piazza, crafted from precious Verona marble. Inside, numerous masterpieces will capture our attention: Antonio Begarelli’s Nativity scene with its statuettes, which here achieves a Raphaelesque grace; Dosso Dossi’s Altarpiece of Saint Sebastian, one of his finest works; the crypt, which, amidst its forest of columns, houses the remains of the patron saint; and the Madonna della Pappa, a domestic scene by Guido Mazzoni; the presbytery, with its exquisite inlaid choir by the Lendinara family, and the Altarpiece of the Statuettes, a grand terracotta polyptych by the master Michele da Firenze.

The tour aims to help you discover every detail of the cathedral, which, due to its beauty, has become a prime example and model of Romanesque architecture in all art history textbooks.

We will visit the Modena Cathedral, both inside and out