Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, Parma

Cathedral in Parma

Cattedrale Di Parma, Italy — CC BY-SA 4.0 / Palickap

The Cattedrale di Parma, located in one of Parma’s main squares, has a rich history. Construction of this massive cathedral began in 1059 under the supervision of Bishop Cadalo and was consecrated in 1106. Over the centuries, it has been adorned with Romanesque sculptures and masterpieces from the Parma School of Painting.

Two sculpted marble lions from the 13th century guard the entrance to the cathedral. The interior of the cathedral is a testament to faith, with its most prominent feature being Antonio da Correggio’s “Assumption of the Virgin.” This remarkable fresco, completed in 1530, covers the cathedral’s dome.

The “Assumption of the Virgin” depicts the Virgin Mary surrounded by a multitude of figures ascending to heaven. Jesus Christ is at the center of the cupola, descending from the light. This fresco is considered a masterpiece for its skilful use of light and shadow to direct the viewer’s gaze.

The illusionistic technique used in the fresco, where figures appear to extend into the viewer’s space, was a pioneering use of foreshortening in Renaissance painting. This technique, combined with the dynamic activity filling the white spaces, is said to have foreshadowed the Baroque style of art that would become popular nearly two centuries later.

The Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, Parma appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Parma!

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