Duomo
Begun by the architect Lanfranco in 1099 and consecrated in 1184, the 12th-century Romanesque cathedral has sculptured facade reliefs by Wiligelmo depicting scenes from Genesis. Look over the main portal to enter a medieval world of intricately carved plant shoots teeming with human, heavenly and demonic life, flanked by two column-bearing Roman lions. Walk around to the Piazza Grande side to see graceful arcading and loggias, a rare example of a cathedral having various aspects and four grand entrances. The interior, completely clad in brick, creates a sober ambience and is filled with intricate stonework by generations of the Maestri Campionesi. The tomb of San Geminiano, Modena's patron saint is in the crypt. The white-marble bell tower is known as La Torre Ghirlandina (the Little Garland Tower) because of its distinctive weather vane.
