In the eighteenth century, it was transformed by the architect Domenico Rossi. When the work was completed, the patriarch Daniele Delfino re-consecrated the cathedral with the new name of Santa Maria Annunziata. At the beginning of the twentieth century, a restoration attempted to give the facade a fourteenth-century look... #tuttitaly
The principal place of worship in the city of Udine, the Cathedral, was almost completely transformed in the eighteenth century, to be reconsecrated in 1735 with the name of Santa Maria Annunziata.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, a restoration attempted to give the facade a fourteenth-century look.
The exterior of the Cathedral has a Romanesque-Gothic style, in contrast with the Baroque interior.
Before entering the church, we can observe the decorations with figures in high relief depicting the Redemption, placed on the entrance portal, dating back to the 14th century.
Also worthy of a careful look are the two statues of the Virgin of the Annunciation and the Archangel Gabriel, placed outside the baptistery and separated by one of the large windows.
The bell tower, annexed to the Cathedral, was begun in March 1441. The initial project envisaged a height equal to that of the bell tower of the Castle, which, being placed on a hill, reaches a much higher peak. At its top, a Madonna should have been placed who, in dialogue with the Angel placed on the top of the Castle's bell tower, would have recalled the Christian theme of the Annunciation. Still, given the lack of building materials, the project was blocked.
The interior of the cathedral is made up of three naves divided by pillars. Along each core, there are four intercommunicating chapels. San Giuseppe was erected in 1500 as a vow to the Saint to obtain protection against the incursions of the Turks who had devastated Friuli the previous year.
The altar is adorned with an altarpiece depicting St. Joseph with baby Jesus in his arms, where there is also a devotee in a supplicating attitude, believed to be the self-portrait of the painter Pellegrino da San Daniele.
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