Duomo di Pordenone

The Duomo di Pordenone, also known as the Co-Cathedral of Saint Mark the Evangelist, stands as a prominent landmark in the charming city of Pordenone, Italy. This majestic structure, with its rich history and architectural splendor, beckons visitors to step back in time and explore the legacy of a bygone era.

The History of Duomo di Pordenone

The origins of the Duomo di Pordenone are deeply entrenched in the history of the local Christian community, which initially depended on the parish church of Saints Hilary and Tation in the hamlet of Torre. As Pordenone grew in political significance, the church of Saint Mark was elevated to the status of a parish church in 1278, marking a pivotal moment in its history.

The current structure of the Duomo was constructed in the latter half of the 13th century in a Romanesque-Gothic style, replacing an older building. The most authentic remnants of the original edifice can be observed in the 14th-century apse, the lantern, and the bell tower, which was completed in 1347. The bell tower, a striking example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture, stands tall at 79.47 meters, with its elegant brickwork and intricate windows.

Restorations and Renovations

The Duomo has undergone several restorations over the centuries, each adding to its charm and preserving its historical essence. The first major restoration took place in 1938, uncovering figures of saints attributed to Pordenone on a pillar of the cross. Subsequent discoveries included 15th-century frescoes in the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul and a fresco of the Resurrection in the sacristy.

A comprehensive restoration project began in 1956, aimed at restoring the cathedral to its 18th-century grandeur. This involved demolishing surrounding buildings to reveal the original structure and uncovering the decorative elements of the transept dome. Between 1965 and 1975, the floor was restored, revealing tombstones that are now displayed outside the cathedral. The roof and frescoes were also meticulously restored.

The Friuli earthquake of 1976 caused significant damage, necessitating the consolidation of load-bearing walls and the reconstruction of the interior floor and nave roof. The most recent restoration in 1997 included reinforcing the walls with steel ties and refurbishing the façade. During these works, a fresco with a 1412 inscription, the oldest in the cathedral, was discovered behind the high altar.

The Bell Tower

The bell tower of the Duomo di Pordenone is a symbol of the city. Construction began in 1291, replacing an earlier structure, and was completed in 1347. The exclusive use of brick was a deliberate choice, reflecting the reconstruction efforts following a fire in 1318. The tower has withstood numerous earthquakes and lightning strikes over the centuries. Notably, in 1820, there were plans to demolish it for safety reasons, which fortunately were never executed.

The bell tower houses six bells, with the smallest dating back to 1627, crafted by the Fadiis brothers. The remaining five bells were cast by the De Poli foundry in 1991 and blessed by Pope John Paul II during his visit to the diocese in 1992. A bronze bas-relief by sculptor Fiorenzo Bacci commemorates the papal visit.

The Façade

The façade of the Duomo, though unfinished, reflects the 19th-century design by Francesco Lazzari. The portal, designed by Giovanni Antonio Pilacorte in 1511, features a lunette with a depiction of Christ, zodiac signs on the jambs, and scenes of Creation on the architrave and bases. In the 19th century, the façade was adorned with frescoes by Gasparo Narvesa, commissioned by the Pordenone Council in 1593.

The area in front of the church once served as a burial ground. The outline of the former chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony the Abbot, demolished in 1895, is still visible to the left of the cathedral.

The Interior

The interior of the Duomo di Pordenone is a single nave, with side chapels added in the 16th century and further modifications in the 18th century. The Italian-Swiss architect Domenico Rossi oversaw the elevation of the nave and decorative adaptations, drawing comparisons to the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Venice.

The marble altars, crafted by 18th-century artist Giovanni Battista Bettini, are a highlight, except for the Carmelite altar in the second right chapel, created by Marino Groppelli's workshop in 1732, and the Saint Vincent Ferrer altar in the first left chapel, made by Agostino and Lorenzo Canziani between 1739-1742. The high altar, organ, and some side chapel altars were salvaged from the demolished municipal church of the Rosary in 1812.

In 1859, the floor was raised and redesigned, and between 1878 and 1883, ceiling renovations led to the destruction of Venier's 1722 fresco depicting Saint Mark's stories. Neoclassical cornices and pilasters were installed, and an external staircase was added in 1897 following the street level's lowering.

The cathedral's vault features a 2000 fresco by Antonio Boatto, depicting the Trinity according to the Gospel of Mark. In 2014, new windows designed by Albano Poli were inaugurated, enhancing the interior's luminosity and highlighting the artistic treasures within.

At the entrance, a Renaissance-era holy water font by Giovanni Antonio Pilacorte bears the coat of arms of Pordenone, symbolizing an open city gate on the waves of the sea.

The Chapel of Mercy

The first right-side chapel, known as the Chapel of Mercy, houses a significant artwork by Pordenone, the Madonna of Mercy (1515-1516). This painting, influenced by Titian and Sebastiano del Piombo, depicts the Virgin sheltering figures under her mantle, including the testator's wife Lucia and their granddaughters, alongside saints Christopher and Joseph. The retable is one of Pordenone's most important artworks, set against a bucolic backdrop with a massive castle and fortified city gate.

The altar of Saint Joseph or Mercy is another masterpiece by Giovanni Battista Bettini, showcasing the artistic and historical richness of the Duomo di Pordenone.

In conclusion, the Duomo di Pordenone is not merely a religious edifice but a testament to the city's historical and cultural heritage. Its architectural beauty, combined with its storied past, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the enchanting city of Pordenone.