PIAZZA DUOMO, Introduction

Hi, my name’s Rick, and I’m your personal guide. Along with MyWoWo, I’d like to welcome you to one of the Wonders of the World: Piazza del Duomo.

Piazza Duomo is one of only a small number of squares in the world with just one entrance gate, which was once closed at night. The spectacular entrance you can see today was built by Emanuele Manieri in the 18th century, and is composed of two facades that lead into the magnificent piazza. If you look carefully at the statues on top of the balustrade, they almost seem to accompany the visitor inside, looking first in the direction you arrive from and then turning their faces towards the square.

As well as the Cathedral, you’ll find the Bell Tower on the left. On the right is the Bishop’s Palace and the Seminary, with each building conceived as a whole. The warm hue of the local stone brings an elegant allure to the overall effect.

The Seminary is the magnificent building you can see adorned with windows across the facade and a distinctive entrance with a loggia. It was built in 1694 by Giuseppe Cino, who took his inspiration from the Convent of the Celestine Order at the Church of Santa Croce....