Musei del Duomo: Treasures of Modena's Cathedral

The Musei del Duomo, located adjacent to the Duomo of Modena, offer a comprehensive look into the history, art, and religious significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The museum complex is divided into two main sections: the Museo Lapidario and the Museo del Duomo. The Museo Lapidario (Lapidary Museum) was established in the late 19th century to house artifacts discovered during the cathedral's restoration. The collection includes sculptures, reliefs, and architectural fragments from Roman times, which were reused in the construction of the Duomo. Highlights include the plutei (parapets) from the pre-existing High Middle Ages cathedral, the Arch of San Geminiano, and the renowned series of Metopes. These eight Romanesque sculptures depict monstrous and fantastical beings and were crafted by a master in Wiligelmo's workshop. The Museo del Duomo (Cathedral Museum) displays an array of artistic and liturgical items dating from the Romanesque period to the 19th century. The collection features furnishings, sculptures, ancient reliquaries, fabrics, paintings, and manuscripts that illustrate the devotion of the Modenese community to the Domus Clari Geminiani over the centuries. Notable pieces include the precious altarolo (small altar) of San Geminiano (11th-12th century), the Evangelistario (Gospel Book) created in the Nonantola scriptorium (late 11th – early 12th century), and the Relatio, a 13th-century copy of a 12th-century text chronicling the construction of the Duomo. Also of interest are the large Flemish tapestries depicting stories from Genesis, part of a series of twenty pieces made in the 16th century. The Duomo of Modena, also known as Modena Cathedral, is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Construction began in 1099 under the direction of architect Lanfranco, replacing an earlier Christian basilica. The cathedral was built to honor Saint Geminianus, the patron saint of Modena, whose remains are housed in the crypt. The building incorporates ancient Roman stones, connecting it to the grandeur of antiquity. The facade features intricate carvings by Wiligelmo, a prominent sculptor of the era. Together with the Ghirlandina bell tower and Piazza Grande, the Duomo has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.