Romanesque Lion

April 2013 003, originally uploaded by Chiara and James Hemsley.

Modena also has a UNESCO world heritage site: the Cathedral. It was built in 1099 and consecrated in 1184. It is really really beautiful in a different way on the inside. It has little alcoves and chapels that have carved scenes from the Bible. Another cool thing about this church is that you can walk almost anywhere inside--many churches here in Italy keep the altar and the whole front area off-limits. But here, you could walk behind the altar, and above the altar where the priest would stand and give his homily. It was really neat.
Outside are some typical Romanesque lions guarding the entrance to the church.