The Cathedral of Parma, officially named the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, is a beautiful Roman Catholic cathedral located in the heart of the city of Parma, Italy. It is one of the most important religious buildings in the region of Emilia-Romagna.
Construction of the cathedral began in the 11th century, and it was consecrated in 1106 by Pope Paschal II. The building underwent several additions and renovations over the centuries, resulting in its current architectural style, which blends Romanesque and Gothic elements. The exterior of the cathedral is characterized by a magnificent rose window, a series of ornate arches, and a towering bell tower that stands at 80 meters high.
The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, with a nave and two aisles that are lined with beautiful frescoes, statues, and intricate carvings. Some of the highlights of the cathedral's interior include the ornate pulpit, the intricate choir stalls, and the exquisite Byzantine-style mosaics that decorate the apse. The cathedral also contains several chapels, each with its own unique artwork and architectural features.
One of the most famous pieces of artwork in the cathedral is the stunning fresco of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary by Correggio, which can be found in the cupola of the cathedral. Other notable artworks in the cathedral include the tapestries in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, the marble altars in the Chapel of Saint Joseph, and the frescoes in the Chapel of Saint John the Baptist.