INTRODUCTION
The Basilica of St. Michael Mayor is a masterpiece of the Romanesque architecture in Lombardy. It has a majestic nave and two aisles, surmounted by the lantern. The façade is richly decorated with sculptures, bas reliefs and figures of animals, plant volute cornices and green shoots. The present church was built on the site of a previous Lombard church and was the coronation place. Infact Frederich Barbarossa was crowned here in 1155.
HISTORY
The previous church was built during the rule of the Lombards. The construction of today’s basilica began around 1100 with the construction of the crypt, choir and transept. A major earthquake in 1117 brought a setback. Today we are certain that no part of the building visible today was created before the year 1100. The church was completed when Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa came here in April1155 and had been crowned King of Italy.
The Romanesque cross vaults were a bold innovation, but had to be replaced by new vaults in the late 15th century due to the risk of collapse.
ARCHITECTURE AND FURNITURE
The plan of the church has the shape of a Latin cross, as the transept arms protrude over the aisles. The nave, side aisles and choir bay of the nave have cross vaults, the transept arms have barrel vaults. The Romanesque cross vaults were a bold innovation, but had to be replaced by new vaults in the late 15th century due to the risk of collapse. Some pillars were also reinforced. An octagonal tower floor with a dome rises above the crossing. The north transept gable has an entrance portal.
The plan of the church has the shape of a Latin cross, as the transept arms protrude over the aisles. The nave, side aisles and choir bay of the nave have cross vaults, the transept arms have barrel vaults. The Romanesque cross vaults were a bold innovation, but had to be replaced by new vaults in the late 15th century due to the risk of collapse. Some pillars were also reinforced. [2] An octagonal tower floor with a dome rises above the crossing. The north transept gable has an entrance portal, the south is an altar wall inside.
The current condition of the west facade and especially its significant reliefs is desolate. Its decline is very advanced, although attempts were made to stop it as early as the 1960s. The sandstone is sensitive to weather and environmental damage.
The braided ornaments almost everywhere are not only seen as an expression of “Lombard jewelry”. You can find them on the mighty services and in the horizontal relief bands on the portals. In terms of their importance, these should also have a defense function.
OPENING HOURS
Monday
8.30 – 12.00 and 14.30 – 19.00
Thurday – Saturday
08.30 – 19.00
Sunday and Holidays
9.00 – 20.00
CONTACT
Basilica of St. Micheal Mayor
San Michele Square
27100 Pavia, Italy
Telephone: 0039(0)382 477691
Mail: sanmichele@parrocchie.diocesi.pavia.it
ENTRANCE FEES & GUIDED TOURS
-Free entry-
Guided tours on request.
ROUTE SUGGESTIONS
TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE
Palazzo Broletto (Piazza della Vittoria)
Via del Comune 18
27100 Pavia, Itlay
Phone: 0039(0)382 399790/791
Mail: turismo@comune.pv.it
Website: www.vivipavia.it