Duomo means cathedral in Italian. Contained within the word is the idea of “house,” (domus in Latin) the house of God. How ornate might God’s own dwelling be if we were to imagine that God had come to live on Earth? We know that Jesus lived his first moments among animals in a barn. As a man, he was a vagabond, taking his rest in ships and in the houses of friends and acquaintances. After his ascension, it seems that barns, boats and simple dwellings would no longer do.
I have come to understand the opulence of these gigantic “houses” as a lasting sign of respect and thankfulness, in the tradition of the temple of Solomon. The human mind is so small, so inadequate in its capacity to understand the creator of all things. It is not enough to imagine that God already dwells in all places and at all times; knowing that the mountains, forests, seas and valleys are more beautifully created than anything we might ever design and bring to completion. The idea is beautiful though: building a house for God.
And the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunto is just that. It is the finest creation that human kind could design in the years 1063. It is supremacy, wealth, prosperity and security in the shape of a giant crucifix. It is easy to get lost in the artistry contained within. The ceiling is an endless sea of gold on black carvings or castings which flow into a spiraling oil scene of Heaven. It is craft articulated to the finest point.
As a builder, I also found the Baptistery to be very impressive. After making my way inside, I simply sat for a minute to get my sense for the size of the place. It is adorned simply. The floor has the symmetry of a spider web with lines of black which continue horizontally onto the walls, support columns, and archways. The black stripes can also be found in other churches in Pisa and on some coats of arms affiliated with the city.
Pausing to appreciate the vigilant, patient craftsmanship that my feet were treading on, the soothing pattern of the unpredictably light and dark carrara marble all around me; I was satisfied to stand for awhile, absorbing. Some classic creations are nearly as rich in craft as the Word.
albaniacalling 