Sighseeing
The Abbey of St. John Church
The Abbey of St. John Church is situated at the rear of the Duomo. It is of particular interest not only to art scientists, but also to visitors. The church boasts an amazing baroque front and a dome by Correggio. Inside it features more paintings from Correggio, including a "Saint John holding a pen" in the transept and a "Vision of San Giovanni".
Arturo Toscanini Birthplace and Museum
Arturo Toscanini Birthplace and Museum. The museum contains a number of interesting belongings of the conductor as well as records of all the works he conducted. Toscani was indisputably one of the major orchestral conductors of the beginning of the last century. Born in 1867, he spent his early life in the house.
Baptistry
The Baptistery is one of the grandest Romanesque structures in the north of Italy. It was designed by Benedetto Amtelami. The construction started in the end of the 12th century, yet nobody knows when it was exactly completed. The building is finished with salmon-coloured marble and is bounded by four tiers. Its interior is particularly interesting. The walls are frescoed with scenes from the bible, including an "Enthroned Madonna" and a "Crucifixion".
Il Duomo
The impressive Romanesque-style Duomo dates back to the 11th century. It is "protected" by two Lombard lions on both sides of its portal. The cathedral is set adjacent to a campanile, built in Gothic-Romanesque style in the end of the 13th century. The amazing frontage of the Duomo shows up three open-air loggias. The interior of the cathedral boasts a lovely octagonal dome, frescoed by the High Renaissance master Correggio. Among the most interesting pieces here is his "Assumption of the Virgin", which dates back to probably 1522-1534.
National Gallery
The National Gallery is set in the beautiful building of Palazzo della Pilotta, home of the influential Farnese Family in the past. Heavily bombed during the WWII, the palace has been rebuilt and at present houses remarkable treasures. The palace accommodates today both the National Gallery and the National Archaeological Museum. The gallery has on display a fairly good collection of art from local artists, the latest pieces dating back to the 15th century.
National Archeological Museum
Palazzo della Pilotta also accommodates the National Archaeological Museum. The museum features a number of exhibits among which the most famous is the Tabula Alimentaria, which was found during the excavations at Velleia in Piacenza. This lovely tablet, dating from the rule of Trajan features interesting bronze engravings. Other objects of interest include some Egyptian sarcophagi, vases from the Etruscan period and torsos, fashioned in Greek style.
