A Lesson in Being Remarkable

This here is the Basilica of San Petronio in Bologna, which sits at one end of Piazza Maggiore, the main square. It is the fifth highest church in the world. The work of many builders and architects, it was started in 1390. It looks unfinished, doesn't it?

Well, it is and it isn't. You see, the legend goes that when they were building it they all of a sudden ran out of money. That's not what happened.

The project was so grand in scope and ambition that too many builders and far more famous architects got involved and the façade was never completed. Everyone wanted to participate in the making of this communal space. It was used by the city for many centuries and not exclusively for religious ceremonies; the place was large enough for public meetings and to stage court cases. Believe it or not it became property of the Dioceses only in 1929.

The interior of the church is acoustically perfect for classical music concerts. Located right across the palace of the king, Re Enzo, this place was and continues to be the life of the city.

I would venture to state that it does not matter that the façade is not perfect. I would be willing to bet that all those famous architects and builders might be just as proud of their work today. This is an inspiring place and it pulses with activity.

Every person who ever visits Bologna stops in front of this church in awe. It's weird and fascinating at the same time, worth photographing and learning about. It's not perfect, but it sure is remarkable.   

Comments

[Gavin Heaton]

While at university I studied the economics of medieval europe. I remember being amazed by my first lecture where we were talking about the multiplier effect of church building on the surrounding communities.

One thing that astounds me is the breadth of vision and commitment of purpose that these communities were able to sustain -- not just over a few years, but across generations and even centuries. The link between vision and purpose has to be managed and built from family to family and generation to generation.

There is much for us all to learn by looking to our shared histories. Oh, and it looks beautiful inside. Truly awe inspiring!

[Richie]

For anybody interested in the construction of cathedrals, I can highly recommend the novel "Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follet.

It delves into the social, economic and political effects of cathedralas on the communities around them.

On the subject of being remarkable, I guess it's important to remember that perfection does not guarantee remarkability. Indeed some of the greatest works of art are admired as much for their flaws as for the perceived perfection.

[Valeria Maltoni]

Gavin -- I have held back from talking too much about medieval Europe in my blog, although you have probably seen some mentions here and there.

Aside from the "dark" that both the wars and the plagues painted into that period in history, I have been fascinated by the creative thrust as demonstrated in the arts and the guilds as well as the role of family in people's daily lives.

We've moved away from a lot of that as we've expanded our scope and reach. I would not have been able to converse with you back then... heavens even by the mere fact that I'm a woman. Never mind the geographic distance.

Richie -- Pillars of the Earth was by far one of my favorite fiction books of all times. I managed to squeeze a short paragraph about that book (and the sequel Follett is planning) in an earlier post, Why Design Matters [http://conversationagent.typepad.com/conversation_agent/2006/10/why_design_matt.html ]

Your thoughts on art are so valuable. If there is one thing that my degree in Liberal Arts taught me is that the most enduring works over time are not the most popular at first: they're often the ones people could identify with more deeply.

Thank you both, you've added such powerful thoughts to the conversation. Let there be a lesson in there for me.

[Diego Rodriguez]

Bologna, my favorite city in the world!