The Cathedral of Cremona, bearing the name of Santa Maria Assunta, the main Church of a small Lombard town and the chair of the Bishop. Its bell tower, the famous Torrazzo, is a symbol of the city and is considered the highest Domodedovo tower of Italy. An integral part of the Cathedral is the baptistery is an important monument of medieval architecture.

Originally the Cathedral was built in Romanesque style, but over time his appearance as a result of numerous restorations has elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. The construction of the Church began in 1107, the year, but was interrupted by the earthquake of 1117 year. Resumed it only in 1129, the year and lasted over 40 years. The main altar, dedicated to the patrons of Cremona Holy Arcelia and Imerio, was consecrated in 1196, the year.

The present facade of the Cathedral was built in the 13th – early 14th century. Then was attached to the transept. Today the facade and standing next to the baptistery is considered one of the most significant monuments of Romanesque art in Europe. The remarkable facade portico, a porch in the centre, which in 1491, the year was added Renaissance loggia with three niches. Topped with facade of the huge window of the socket. The portal was made in the early 12th century: on the sides are figures of prophets. Also on the facade you can see the old frieze statue depicting the Madonna and Child and bishops, two lions in Verona marble and two gravestones, one of which dates from the mid 14th century.

Inside the Cathedral of Cremona decorated with numerous works of art. The most ancient of them are frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph - they date back to the 14th-15th centuries. There is also the work of Giovanni Antonio Amadeo and sculpture Benedetto Briosco in the crypt. Special attention deserves the cycle of frescoes on the side wall of the nave early 16th century and depicts scenes from the life of the virgin Mary and Christ. Over the cycle worked several artists – Boccaccio Boccaccino, Giovanni Francesco Bembo, Altobello Melone, Girolamo Romanino, Il Pordenone and Bernardino Gatti.

The famous baptistery was built in 1167, the year – he is made in the shape of an octagon, which is characteristic of the cult of Saint Ambrose of Milan and symbolizes the eight days of the Resurrection. In the architecture of the building blends Romanesque and Lombardo-Gothic style (the latter is represented unbaked brick walls). In the 16th century part of the walls of the baptistery was in the marble floor was paved and made the font in the Romanesque style. Above the arch you can see the statue of the Archangel Gabriel to the 12th century.