The Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, the cathedral in Cremona, Italy. This is the city that gave the world all the types of string instruments with names such as Amati, Stradivari, Guarnieri etc. This art is still practice here by the large number of string instruments makers called lutieri.

Siena. la cattedrale

The cathedral in Siena is a wonderful site full of mysterious symbols. Especially on the floor mosaics, These images are of the main entrance. Siena is really a must see city if one visits Tuscany.

Siena, la cattedrale

Siena's cathedral was started by Giovanni Pisano in 1284. He left the project in 1296. Other architects finished the church. Among them was Giovanni Cecco who began the top structure in 1376. The statues and figures on the facade are from Pisano and his helpers and depict philosophers, prophets and apostles. This is an example of Italian Gothic architecture.

Palermo, la cattedrale

Palermo's cathedral has stood since the 12th century and is the resting place of Frederick II [ "the great," stupor mundi] the real father of the Italian renaissance. In his multi cultural court the seeds of the rinascimento were planted. It's were the Sicilian School of poetry developed and created  the first  literary language of Italy. For example poets like Ciullo D'alcamo and Giacomo da Lentini wrote immortal poetry. The latter invented the sonnet, for example. This is a lovely cathedral  in a city that is absolutely fascinating, Palermo must not be missed by anyone interested in history and culture.