This cathedral is quirky. It's built assymetrically....looks like it's just cut off on the corner. Each spire and column is decorated differently. Nothing matches. But, then again, it does. Inside, is a Christian relic called the "Volto Santo" that pilgrims have travelled for miles through the decades to see & pray beside (even William the II of England). It is also mentioned in Dante's Inferno. I wasn't allowed to take pictures inside, but let me tell you, this thing was scary. It was an exact replica of Christ on the cross made by Nicodemus, who was an eye witness to the crucifixion....apparently. First off, he was black. Second, he had very beady eyes. He had this creepy, boring-into-you look. Yes, he was life-size. Yes, he was male. Any other exact resemblances I hope could be argued.
Another quirk in this cathedral is that it had massived wall-size paintings that were beautiful. However, it's very dark inside & you can hardly see them....they were the typical Madonna/baby Jesus type paintings that abound over here. So....the Italians cleverly are making money by charging you 3 euros you insert into a light machine, that lights it up for 2 minutes! Good grief. I realize the credit crunch is also affecting the Catholic church as well, but this seems a bit much. And no, I didn't pay the 3 euros. I waited until someone else came along & lit it up!
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