Basilica of San Michele Maggiore
The Basilica of San Michele Maggiore dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries and is one of the most beautiful churches in the Lombard Romanesque style. A previous building having been destroyed by fire in 1004, the construction of the present basilica began towards the end of the 11th century and was certainly completed in 1155, with an interruption due to the great earthquake of 1117. San Michele stands out from the other churches in the city for its intensive use, both for its structure and for its decorations, of fragile ochre-coloured sandstone instead of terracotta. The façade is decorated with a rich repertoire of beautiful sandstone sculptures.