Il Duomo di Cremona

The Duomo di Cremona (English: Cremona Cathedral) is the seat of the Bishop of Cremona in Lombardy, Italy, and is the main Catholic church of that town. It is dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, (Our Lady of the Assumption). Its bell tower is the famous Torrazzo, symbol of the city and tallest pre-modern tower in Italy. Also annexed is the Baptistery, another important medieval monument. Originally built in Romanesque style, the church was restored and extended with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. The church was begun in 1107, but the works were damaged and halted after an earthquake in 1117. Construction were resumed in 1129, and the edifice was probably finished in 1160-1170. The main altar, dedicated to the city's patron saints St. Archelaus and St. Irnerius, was consecrated in 1196.