The first church dedicated to Saint Peter was erected in the early Middle Ages and then rebuilt in the 7th century, after the destruction of the entire city of Mantua (Italy). The church became a cathedral in 804, when the pope decided to create the new diocese. The beautiful cathedral was completely rebuilt in the Romanesque style in 1130, a period of which the magnificent bell tower remains original. The bell tower houses seven very solemn bells, the sound of which can be heard around the town and on the lake surrounding it. The seven bells are in B flat major and currently the third is cracked, so it does not ring.
B flat - c' - (d') - e' flat - f' - g' - b' flat
The young organist accompanied us to listen to the bells ringing on a scorching hot afternoon, very unusual during the spring season. The seven bells are arranged as follows:
- Original bell cast in 1762 by two fine craftsmen
- Bells II, V, VI added in 1843 by a family from Verona
- Bells III (cracked) and IV recast in 1882
The 12th century mediaeval church was completely rebuilt in Gothic style in 1395, when the Marquis wanted to celebrate the birth of his first-born son. The Gothic church was partially destroyed by fire in the Renaissance and rebuilt inside at the behest of a cardinal native of Mantua who belonged to the Gonzaga family. A Roman architect was called in to redo the entire interior, which is magnificent and majestic because it is dressed in gold and precious marble. The exterior was modified in the 18th century as the last major work. The Gothic façade was replaced by an immense Baroque construction, which is the main thing on the famous square. The interior of the church has five naves, as in the major churches of the world. After the occupation by Napoleon's troops, many treasures from the cathedral were stolen and are now displayed in major French museums, as they are masterpieces of art.
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