Begun in 1.396, on the site of the Romanesque Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the construction of the cathedral lasted four centuries. Looking at its structure, you will see the changing in styles which occurred throughout the centuries: the late Gothic of the façade, the Renaissance lines of the apse and the 18th century dome. Lorenzo degli Sprazzi, from Val d'Intelvi, Pietro da Breggia and Fiorino da Bontà, from Como, and Tommaso Rodari, from Maroggia, were among the numerous artists who took part in the construction of the Cathedral. The two statues of Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger, placed on the sides of the portal, are by Rodari. The great dome, finished in 1.744 was designed by F. Juvara. Items of interest, inside the Cathedral, are the two columniferous lions (12th century), a niche, a sarcophagus and a marble altar (14th century) saved from the demolition of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore; altars, altar-pieces and portals by Rodari; 16th century paintings by B. Luini, G. Ferrari and B. Lanino; 17th century frescoes by Morazzone; 16th and 17th century tapestries from Ferrara and Flanders, Baroque stuccoworks by A. and F. Silva and 19th century stained glass windows by G. and P. Bertini. BASILICA OF SAN FEDELE This church was built in the 12th century, on the site once occupied by the early Christian Church of Santa Eufemia, and has an unusual trefoil plan. After frequent restorations and modifications, the façade was totally rebuilt together with a bell tower at the beginning of this century. Inside the church you will see three communicating aisles with round arches; the central apse flanked by smaller apses and a double loggia with columns topped with refined capitals; the walls, covered with 14th and 15th century frescoes, 17th and 18th century paintings. BROLETTO Erected in 1.215, flanked by the Civic Tower which was rebuilt in rusticated stone in 1.927, this building has a Gothic façade made in polychrome marble and dating from the 15th century, when its southern side was destroyed to make room for the Cathedral, which was then being enlarged. Originally intended as the headquarters of the local council, it was subsequently used as a theatre, a record office and, lastly, as an exhibition hall. TEMPIO VOLTIANO (VOLTA TEMPLE) This neoclassic temple was built in 1927 thanks to the generosity of the Como industrialist F. Somaini. It was designed by the architect Federico Frigerio to celebrate the first centennial of Alessandro Volta's death. Relics, documents and paintings regarding the great physicist are exhibited here. |
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