Basilica of San Petronio

The Basilica of San Petronio in Bologna is an imposing monument full of history, an unfinished masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture. Its construction began in 1390, in a political context where the Bolognese merchant and artisan bourgeoisie sought to assert their autonomy in the face of pressure from the major noble families. The initial project was entrusted to the architect Antonio di Vincenzo, who envisioned a grand structure that was meant to surpass in size the main Italian cathedrals. Despite the ambitious project, which envisioned a basilica 183 meters long with a transept 137 meters wide, the work progressed slowly and was often interrupted by political and financial vicissitudes. The church, now 132 meters long and 60 meters wide, still represents one of the largest brick basilicas in the world. The facade of the Basilica of San Petronio is a significant example of the difficulties encountered in completing the work. Only the lower part is clad in marble, while the upper part remains in rough bricks. The main portal, the Porta Magna, is decorated with reliefs by Jacopo della Quercia depicting episodes from the Old and New Testament, as well as scenes from the life of San Petronio. Inside, the basilica is characterized by a high and spacious central nave, flanked by two side aisles. The Gothic vaults, supported by mighty columns, create an atmosphere of grandeur and solemnity. Among the most important works of art are the altar of the Madonna Enthroned by Lorenzo Costa and the fresco of the Last Judgment by Giovanni da Modena, which includes a controversial representation of Mohammed in hell. One of the most fascinating curiosities of the Basilica of San Petronio is the sundial, designed by Giovanni Domenico Cassini in 1655. With its 66.8 meters, it is the longest in the world and allows for extremely precise determination of solar noon and other astronomical measurements. The history of the basilica is also linked to important historical events. In 1530, Charles V was crowned Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire by Pope Clement VII in San Petronio, an event that underlines the political and symbolic importance of this religious building. The basilica was never completed according to the original plans due to a decree by Pope Pius IV in 1562, which ordered the construction of the Archiginnasio, effectively blocking the completion of the left transept. The Basilica of San Petronio is also a symbol of the struggle between civic and ecclesiastical power. Financed mainly by taxes imposed by the city government and not by the Church, its construction represents an example of civic autonomy and local pride. However, the continued interference of papal power limited its expansion and influenced its history.