DESTINATIONS
Have you ever been to Parma? If not, you should go!
Parma is one of the oldest cities of Italy. It was founded long-long time ago, in 183 b.C., by the ancient Romans. So no wonder, its tall two-thousand-years-old history is famous with its artistic and architectural tradition.
Strolling around the city and turning its corners one will inescapably find numerous beautiful palaces, refined facades, richly decorated churches, cozy piazzas and picturesque streets. Among all, however, it is the Cathedral of Parma to be the number one monument of this tiny yet legendary Italian capital.
Duomo di Parma, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, was founded in 1059 and less than 50 years later, in 1106, it was already completed and consecrated by the Pope. Since then, it inexorably represents the symbol and the identity of Parma and Emilia-Romagna region more in general. After 900 years of life, it is the repository of a deep religious beliefs and customs, of numerous works of art, of unique sculptures and frescoes that testify the history of classical Italian manner starting from the Medieval period and arriving to the present days.
The two main, and in a certain sense opposite, stylistic characteristics of Duomo di Parma are its original minimal facade designed in pure Romanesque style and lavish interior renovated afterwards and characterized by its opulent Renaissance taste.
Stepping inside of this millenary and apparently humble cathedral, one in fact will definitely stay astonished. Striking golden decoration and elegant frescoes covering walls, vaults and the dome of the church are quite opposing if not controversial to the exterior. What a revelation!
Yes, bella Italia keeps surprising all of us with its hidden treasure that wait to be discovered.
Maria Novozhilova
e-mail: novozhilovam.blog@gmail.com
twitter: @NovozhilovaM
