The Cathedral
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The tourists who arrive in Villafranca can see Saint Peter’s and Paul’s Cathedral. This church is situated in the centre of the town, in the square, near lots of shops and cafès.
Originally the Cathedral was in Romanesque and Gothic style. In 1340, after being destroyed because of the wars, on the orders of Rinaldo Cavalchini it was rebuilt. The old Romanesque steeple fell down in 1890 and a new church was built and dedicated to the Apostles Peter and Paul. The Cathedral is a copy of “Chiesa del Redentore” in Venice and its architect was Andrea Palladio.
There is a monumental staircase composed of about 15 steps leading to the front of the church.
At the entrance there is a big portal made of bronze and outside the façade is built with white and yellow stones.
Inside the Church there is a nave in the shape of a Latin cross with a high dome above.
In the side chapels visitors can see an ancona dedicated to the Saints, the statue of Madonna del Popolo, and a picture that depicts Saint Peter. Under the dome there are the statues of St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Joseph and St. John.
The two glass-windows by Martinelli depict St. Peter’s Martyrdom.
The floor is in white and red squares.
Questa breve introduzione al Duomo di Villfranca è stata prodotta/elaborata dal GRUPPO 1: DONDI, FAVRETTO, MORO, DE SIGNORI, BACCO, FERRARI S., BIASI, BENEDETTI E CONIGLIANO coordinato dalla prof.ssa Bedegoni