Travels in Italy--Bolzano (Part 2 of 4)

During our city walk in Bolazno, we visited two churches: 

• The Gothic cathedral of Bolzano, known as Assumption of Our Lady Cathedral and
• The Chiesa dei Domenicani.

Both are very old and have been damaged and repaired over the centuries, most recently during WWII.  Bolzano's geographic location is important.  It sits in a river valley in northern Italy that runs north and south.  It connects Italy with Austria and Germany via the Brenner Pass. So, during WWII, when the allies pushed the Southern Front northward toward the heart of Germany, Bolzano and other towns in the valley suffered damage during fierce battles.

The Gothic Cathedral:  The cathedral is built on the site of an early Christian church.  It was first built in the Romanesque style in the late 1100's and then expanded in the 1300's with Gothic features.  So, the cathedral is a harmonious mix of southern and northern architectural styles. 

Cathedral of Bolzano:  view of the exterior with the bell tower and tile roof

Cathedral of Bolzano:  a fresco on the cathedral's exterior (the crucifixion)

Cathedral of Bolzano:  a fresco on the cathedral's exterior (St. Christopher).  Bolzano sits along one of the ancient pilgrimage routes.  The fresco of St. Christopher was a sign inviting pilgrims to stop and rest in Bolzano. 

Cathedral of Bolzano:  The Romanesque façade of the cathedral with Gothic updates, such as the large rose window above the doorway

Cathedral of Bolzano:  The modern bronze doors of the cathedral

Cathedral of Bolzano:  The Gothic-style nave

Cathedral of Bolzano:  The ornate main altar

Cathedral of Bolzano:  One of the side altars in the cathedral

The Chiesa dei Domenicani (the Church of the Dominicans):  The church was founded by the Dominicans in the 1200's and was part of a large complex, including a cloister and large farm.  The church was originally built in the Gothic style and has been modified over the centuries with the addition of Baroque, Rococo and other elements.  The church was heavily damaged by bombs during WWII.  So, the church is a mix of ancient and modern artwork and architectural styles. 

Chiesa dei Domenicani: the nave of the church

Chiesa dei Domenicani: a fresco in the nave (St. George slaying the dragon)

Chiesa dei Domenicani: the choir behind the main altar

Chiesa dei Domenicani: on the ceiling of the choir, a modern painting depicting Mary and child

Chiesa dei Domenicani: a fresco in the chapel (the martyrdom of St. Bartholomew, who was skinned alive).  The fresco is attributed to a student of Giotto.

Chiesa dei Domenicani: a fresco in the St. John chapel (the Apocalypse) (attributed to a student of Giotto)   

Chiesa dei Domenicani: a fresco in the St. John chapel (the Annunciation) (attributed to a student of Giotto)

Chiesa dei Domenicani: St. Dominic with the bambino

Next Up:  The amazing Otzi!