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Dominating the Piazza Maggiore is the Basicilica di San Petronio, Bologna's greatest church. Measuring 132m in height, it is the world's fifth largest basicila. It was originally intended to dwarf St. Peter's in Rome, but in 1561 (almost 169 years after it was started!) construction was halted by Pope Pius IV. To this day the basilica remains unfinished - you can even see semiconstrcuted frameworks on the eastern flank of the structure.
The interior of the basilica is stupendous. Beyond description it is surely something that a person must experience at least once in their lifetimes.
South of Piazza Maggiore is the Basilica di San Domenico built to house the remains of the founder of the Dominican order. The centrepieces are the elaborate Capella (Sacrophagus) di San Domenico and the angel carved by sculptor Michaelangelo at the age of 19! Unfortunately the Basilica is closed for restoration (bah!) and I was forced to take the detailed virtual tour available online; not the same I'm sure but still excellent!
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