Fidenza - Cattedrale di San Donnino

In 1927, what is pretty recent, the city "Borgo San Donnino" changed it´s name to "Fidenza", as in Roman times it was known as "Fidentia Julia".

The city was named and the Duomo inside the walls was dedicated to San Donnino di Fidenza (aka "Domninus of Fidenza"), who was martyred nearby in 291.

Sigeric the Serious, Archbishop of Canterbury, made the pilgrimage to Rome following the Via Francigena around 990. His contemporary records of this journey still exist (and are source for the modern guide books). He reached "Sce Domnine" after 36 days, what is pretty fast for more than 1000kms.

The erection of the Cattedrale di San Donnino started in the 11th century, the first consecration took place in 1106, though the building process continued. From around 1200 on Master Benedetto Antelami and his workshop worked here, not only as Master masons. Antelami may as well be the architect of the facade.

Frederick Barbarossa had entrusted "Borgo San Donnino" to the Pallavicino family of Piacenza. In 1268 - after a siege - the city was conquered by the troops of Parma, who looted and burnt down it completely. All houses got destroyed at that time just the Duomo was saved, but it was not completed at that time. The building process came to a stop - and was never continued.

A legend tells, that when Charlemagne passed through "Borgo San Donnino", an angel told him, where to dig for San Donnino´s relics. He is connected to the city and the duomo. Seen here is Charlemagne´s entourage on their way back home. He had just chased away the Sarazens from Rome (another legend). It is known, that Charles owned an elephant, named Abul Abbas. Seen here is another member of the imperial menagerie. A tame cheetah on horseback.

The very left rider (next to the walking pilgrim) may be Charlemagne himself, as he carries a scepter.