Brescia New Cathedral, Brescia, Italy

Construction of the Brescia New Cathedral, Duomo Nuovo, was begun in 1604 at the site where the paleo-Christian 5th-6th century basilica of San Pietro de Dom was located. The original commission was given to Andrea Palladio, but the commission was subsequently granted to the architect Giovanni Battista Lantana. He was aided by Pietro Maria Bagnadore. Work was interrupted during a season of plague around 1630.

Work slowly but sporadically restarted on the construction, but the final impetus for completion came in the nineteenth century. The facade was designed by Giovanni Battista and Antonio Marchetti, while the dome, completed only in 1825, was designed by Luigi Cagnola and with its 80 meters is one of the highest in Italy.

The present dome was rebuilt after destruction during the Second World War. The facade contains statues of the Virgin of the Assumption and Saints Peter, Paul, James, and John.

Among the interior works of art are a scenes from the life of the Virgin by Girolamo Romanino (Marriage, Visitation, and Birth) and a Sacrifice of Isaac by Moretto da Brescia.

The interior contains a monument to the famous Brescian, the Pope Paul VI, found on the left transept. The statue (1975) is a work by Raffaele Scorzelli. The imposing Baroque church towers over the small round and rustic Romanesque church of the Old Cathedral of Brescia (Duomo Vecchio).

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Craig Alexander (7 months ago)
I have long loved the neighbouring medieval Duomo Vecchio but have recently come to appreciate its newer (1608-1825 from memory) companion. The altar/chapel by Vantini is most impressive but, on recent visits, I have also found myself enjoying the overall space and form of the Duomo Nuovo.

Pasan Sensouk (9 months ago)
It's a simply beautiful cathedral, it was built next to the very old church, great place to visit in town.

Mustafa Arikan (14 months ago)
Simply there are not many words for it. It is simply amazing and breathtaking.

Pauline Yoong (3 years ago)
Very beautiful and magnificent. The Duomo Nuovo or New Cathedral is the largest Catholic church in Brescia. Construction was begun in 1604 at the site. Work slowly but sporadically restarted on construction, the final completion came in the nineteenth century. The present dome was rebuilt after destruction during the World War II.

Wireko Sika-Danta Ohenenana (3 years ago)
Wonderful Catholic church. Just beautiful

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Roman Moško

Historic Site of the week

Trencín Castle

Trenčín Castle is relatively large renovated castle, towering on a steep limestone cliff directly above the city of Trenčín. It is a dominant feature not only of Trenčín, but also of the entire Považie region. The castle is a national monument.

History of the castle cliff dates back to the Roman Empire, what is proved by the inscription on the castle cliff proclaiming the victory of Roman legion against Germans in the year 179.

Today’s castle was probably built on the hill-fort. The first proven building on the hill was the Great Moravian rotunda from the 9th century and later there was a stone residential tower, which served to protect the Kingdom of Hungary and the western border. In the late 13th century the castle became a property of Palatine Matúš Csák, who became Mr. of Váh and Tatras.

Matúš Csák of Trenčín built a tower, still known as Matthew’s, which is a dominant determinant of the whole building.

Brescia New Cathedral

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historical Gems of Costa Verde

Historic Site of the week

Trencín Castle