Interior view

The cathedral by Giuliano da Maiano is one of Faenza's notable landmarks. Its construction began in 1474, on the site of a previous cathedral, by order of Carlo II Manfredi (lord of Faenza between 1468 and 1477), while his brother Federico was bishop of Faenza.

In 1474 Giuliano da Maiano was commissioned to rebuild Faenza Cathedral (1474-86). He attempted to create a building more monumental in conception than earlier Renaissance architecture. He conceived of the nave of the basilica not as a Brunelleschian unity but as a series of ample square bays, each covered by a domical sail vault. Tall pilasters and slightly projecting architraves emphasize the division of space into bays so large that they require intermediate columnar supports. The articulation is severe, and the vaulting and alternating square piers and columns lend an almost neo-medieval aspect to the building. The decoration is minimal, the semi-dome of the apse is in the form of an outsized shell, and the nave capitals are singularly unexpressive. However, despite its large scale and careful articulation, the cathedral fails to live up to its monumental intention.

The brick façade was left incomplete, it was never fully faced in marble or stone.

View the Latin-cross ground plan and the section of the church.

The photo shows the nave.