La Catedral di S. Lorenzo

The Church of San Lorenzo is estimated to be founded in the 5^th or 6^th century. In 1155 the cathedral was officially dedicated to the Martyr of San Lorenzo in the urban zone now known as the historic center, making the piazza in front the city’s only public space for the whole Middle Ages. Construction of the cathedral finally ended in the 17^th century.

I took this photo of one of the 2 stone lions guarding the entrance on our first tour of the city. I found it interesting that an animal which is typically symbolic of grandeur and power should have such a cowardly face. Their size and austere presence appeals to every visitor…perhaps that’s the point.