Padua Cathedral (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption)

The cathedral was built from 1074 by the Bishop-Count Guibodo after the terrible fire that destroyed the previous early Christian basilica.

Since then, it has always been a symbol of the city's living religious tradition, but also a monumental testament to art, enriched over the centuries with priceless treasures. Here the essence of Romanesque sculpture coexists with the splendor of Renaissance painting, bringing to life one of the most impressive places of faith in Emilia.

The cathedral stands on the site of earlier sacred buildings, the oldest of which, an early Christian cathedral, probably stood in the present cemetery. The new cathedral, consecrated in 1075 by Bishop Ulderico, was damaged a few years later during the earthquake of 1117.
The construction of the present cathedral was completed between the 16th and 18th centuries.
The winner of the announced competition was Michelangelo, but the execution of the works was entrusted to the Istrian architect Andrea da Valle and the architect Agostino Righetti, who made substantial changes to the original project.
The cathedral was only completed in 1754 by the Venetian architect Girolamo Frigimelica, although the grandiose façade, with three portals and two rose windows, designed by him, was never completed and was later, together with the great dome, seriously damaged during the bombardments of the city. 1917 and 1918. More info on padovanet.it/informazione/duomo-e-battistero

The cathedral of Padua is kept rather simple, but the altar stands out.