Romanesque Cathedrals in Northern Italy – building processes between bishop and commune

A shift in cathedral construction dynamics emerged in 11th and 12th century Northern Italy, where the role of bishops diminished due to Church reforms while communes became more prominent. This period saw cathedrals, including those in Modena and Piacenza, being rebuilt during interregnums, indicating a transition where communes—embracing clergy and laity as equal patrons—took on the responsibility for these monumental projects. The process not only redefined relationships between ecclesiastical and secular institutions but also facilitated the establishment of new communal structures and guilds. This study reevaluates the construction of these cathedrals to highlight their role in societal transformation, offering insights into the interplay between power, patronage, and urban development during this pivotal era.

Klein, B. (2018). Romanesque Cathedrals in Northern Italy – building processes between bishop and commune. Romanesque Patrons and Processes, 31–38. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351105606-3