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This is the Cathedral of Rome, founded by
Constantine during the IV century. Through the history it was destroyed and
rebuilt many times. The present Cathedral dates back to the XII century. The
facade was built by Alessandro Galilei, in 1735. On the top of the balustrade 15
statues stand, representing Jesus Christ and the Doctors of the Church. In the
arcade on the left side you can admire the statue of Constantine, coming from
the Imperial Thermae of the Quirinal. Just like Saint Peter's church, there is
the Holy Door, open only in the jubilee years. The interior of the Cathedral is
130 mts. high, and to its building several important architects collaborated,
among whom Borromini. The golden ceiling particularly strikes you; it was
designed by Pirro Ligorio. The very big central nave, shows in its background
the imposing tabernacle dating back to the second half of the XIV century, in
which you can see some frescos attributed to Barna from Siena. |