Cathedral of Padua

The cathedral of Padova is dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, the ascended Mary. It bears a simple Romanesque facade capped by domes and spires, giving it an almost eastern orthodox appearance. The current church was built on the foundation of an existing cathedral, it was redesigned and rebuilt, in part according to plans by Michelangelo. The Duomo contains gorgeous, vivid frescoes that depict a myriad of Biblical scenes in lush detail, by Giusto de' Menabuoi in the late 1300s. There are paintings by Tiepolo, Sassoferrato, Bassano and others. A treasure displays reliquaries and other ornate gifts of the church.

Next to the cathedral is a domed baptistry dating to the early 1200s.

The fanciful church occupies a piazza in the heart of Padova. It is definitely worth a visit!