Facade of the cathedral (12th - 13th Century) by Benedetto AntelamiMuseo del Duomo e Cattedrale di Fidenza
The façade of the Cathedral of Fidenza is extraordinarily rich in bas-reliefs and statues, with hundreds of sculpted figures. Between the end of the twelfth and the beginning of the thirteenth century, Benedetto Antelami worked there, at the head of a workshop of experts of various professions.
The distribution of the sculptures is the result of a precise theological and iconographic program: the themes are the evangelical message, the pilgrimage and the local church, but there is no lack of historical references.
Glorious Christ (12th Century)Museo del Duomo e Cattedrale di Fidenza
At the top of the central arch is Christ in glory, with the Patriarchs on the right and the Apostles on the left. It is the Old Testament that heralds the New with the images of Daniel in the lions' den, Abraham, Job, Elijah and Elisha.
Facade of the cathedral (12th - 13th Century) by Benedetto AntelamiMuseo del Duomo e Cattedrale di Fidenza
Above the central portal scroll the episodes of the history of the martyr Donnino, patron saint of the city and of the diocese of Fidenza.
To the left of the portal you can see: above the Adoration of the Magi and the Dream of Joseph;
below the Family of the “rich pilgrims” and the statue of King David. On the right, above are Enoch and Elijah on the chariot of fire, biblical characters; below the Family of the "poor pilgrims" and the statue of the prophet Ezekiel.
King Herod (12th - 13th Century)Museo del Duomo e Cattedrale di Fidenza
In the tower on the left the sculpted slabs show Herod and the Magi and, above the portal, an important moment for local history:
History of Borgo (12th - 13th Century)Museo del Duomo e Cattedrale di Fidenza
Charlemagne, Pope Adrian II who gives the bishop's insignia to the archpriest of the village and a sick man who enters the sanctuary. Standing on the column, Simon the Apostle points the way to Rome, a very important indication for pilgrims on the Via Francigena.
The flight of Alexander the Great (12th - 13th Century) by Benedetto AntelamiMuseo del Duomo e Cattedrale di Fidenza
In the right tower, the square slab depicts the Flight of Alexander the Great.
History of Berta, Milon and Roland (12th - 13th Century)Museo del Duomo e Cattedrale di Fidenza
In the upper frieze, to underline the ancient link between the royals of France and the church of San Donnino - a privileged relationship that tradition traces back to Charlemagne himself - are carved episodes that echo the Chansons de geste.
