Damir
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The Enduring Heart of Vicenza: Duomo di Santa Maria Annunciata
Step into the Duomo di Vicenza, Santa Maria Annunciata, and feel time melt away. This isn't just a building; it's a profound narrative etched in stone, an imposing example of Venetian Gothic grace that has witnessed centuries unfold. Imagine its foundation laid in the late 1200s, upon the very soil where a 5th-century early Christian basilica once stood – a direct link to the whispers of ancient faith, visible beneath your very feet.
As you gaze upwards at the triumphant figures of the Madonna and Child, flanked by saints, you feel a silent blessing. The cathedral has gracefully absorbed centuries, from its initial Gothic creation to the subtle alterations of the 1400s, holding its form steadfast against the tides of history.
Inside, your eyes are drawn forward, down the central nave, to a grand staircase culminating in the magnificent presbytery. Here, the polypitch by Lorenzo Veneziano (1366), with its 29 vibrant panels depicting the Dormition of the Virgin and figures of saints, speaks volumes of devotion and artistic mastery. Every corner of this sacred space is a canvas, adorned with countless works of art spanning from the 14th to the 18th centuries, each whispering stories of faith and human creativity.
The grand high altar, a dazzling creation by Giovanni di Giacomo da Porlezza and Girolamo Pittoni da Lumignano (1534-1536), gleams with precious stones and exquisite marbles. It's a testament to the generous spirit of Aurelio Dall’Acqua, and perhaps even an early touch of genius from a young Andrea Palladio, whose name echoes through these hallowed halls. His renowned hand is certainly found in the cathedral's majestic dome (1558-66) and the elegant northern side portal (1563), his architectural soul woven into the very fabric of this spiritual landmark.
Beneath the main entrance, in the crypt, lie the silent tributes: the tomb slab of Archdeacon Alberto Fioccardo, a powerful piece attributed to Angelo di Giovanni da Verona, and that of Battista Fioccardo – poignant reminders of Vicenza's 15th-century sculptural heritage. In the seventh chapel on the left, the luxurious funerary monument of Girolamo and Giambattista Galdo (1566-1574) invites contemplation, with its busts, and allegorical figures of Faith, Hope, and Charity—a masterpiece by Alessandro Vittoria.
And beneath it all, a newly opened archeological area of 750 square meters reveals layers of time stretching back to 1946, allowing us to walk paths unseen for centuries. The Duomo is more than a church; it's a living, breathing testament to the enduring human spirit, a place where art, history, and profound devotion intertwine, leaving an indelible mark on every soul who crosses its threshold.
