The Renovation of Northern Italian Cathedrals during the Eleventh and Twelfth Centuries: The State of Current Research and Some Unanswered Questions

Research on northern Italian Romanesque cathedrals, particularly Modena Cathedral, reveals significant advancements in understanding their architectural evolution and the influence of Classical inspiration. The study highlights the wealth of documentary evidence for Modena, including the names of key architects and artisans, providing a detailed context for its renovation during the 11th and 12th centuries. By comparing Modena with other cathedrals in Emilia Romagna—such as Ferrara, Parma, and Reggio Emilia—the research identifies new findings that shed light on regional architectural trends. Additionally, it explores the mutual relationships between Cremona and Piacenza cathedrals while noting the preservation of pre-Romanesque structures in Vercelli, Pavia, and Bergamo. The article advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to fully analyze these complex monuments.

Lomartire, S. (2016). The Renovation of Northern Italian Cathedrals during the Eleventh and Twelfth Centuries: The State of Current Research and Some Unanswered Questions. Romanesque Cathedrals in Mediterranean Europe, 119–137. https://doi.org/10.1484/m.ama-eb.5.109569