The original Parma Cathedral was consecrated in 1106 but was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake that struck northern Italy in 1117. By 1118, the aisles were already under reconstruction, and in 1178, the famous sculptor Antelami began the upper portion of the façade. (...)
The original Parma Cathedral was consecrated in 1106 but was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake that struck northern Italy in 1117. By 1118, the aisles were already under reconstruction, and in 1178, the famous sculptor Antelami began the upper portion of the façade. Ornately carved stone, three levels of loggias, characterizes its impressive façade and a 63-meter-high Gothic bell tower built between 1284 and 1294. The cathedral was modified several times in subsequent centuries; sandstone blocks were replaced with Verona marble, a porch was added, the dome was raised and painted by Correggio, and the present arch replaced the original rose window. Over time, water ingress and atmospheric deposits eroded the marble and sandstone façade. These conditions were been exacerbated by unsuccessful repairs in the early twentieth century.
