Cathedral of Fidenza
Historic Building
| Type | Historic place of worship |
| Intervention | Restructuring of the roof |
| Location | Fidenza, Italy |
| Roof insulation | Isotec by Brianza Plastica – 60 mm thick, 365 mm pitch |
| Insulated roof surface | Approx. 700 sqm |
| Roof cladding | New and reclaimed roof tiles |
| Year of intervention | 2025 |
History
Dating back to the 12th century, Fidenza Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Domninus Martyr, patron saint of the town and Diocese. It is one of Emilia-Romagna’s most significant Romanesque landmarks. The partly unfinished façade is one of the cathedral’s most recognisable features. Framed by two square sandstone towers, it has three portals and an elaborate decorative scheme attributed to Benedetto Antelami and his workshop. The sculptures and bas-reliefs depict episodes from the life of Saint Domninus, offering a visual record of the town’s history and religious identity.
The intervention
The refurbishment aimed to improve the performance of the roof structure while preserving the cathedral’s historic appearance. The cathedral features a three-nave layout and a multi-layered roof supported by a framework of wooden joists, boarding and trusses. Brianza Plastica’s Isotec System, 60 mm thick with a 365 mm pitch, was chosen to create the new insulated and ventilated roof. Work began by removing the existing roof tiles and old boarding, then restoring the timber structure. Once the new framework of beams and joists and the new decking were in place, the team laid a breathable membrane over the boarding, followed by the Isotec panels, which were then clad with the tiles. The solution adopted involved laying a first layer of new interlocking tiles to ensure optimal rainwater drainage, topped with the building’s original reclaimed tiles. This preserved the roof’s original character, ensuring modern thermal efficiency while preserving the cathedral’s historic identity.
The building today
Situated in the heart of the historic centre and closely connected with the ancient Via Francigena, Fidenza Cathedral’s architecture and richly sculpted façade preserve a heritage of great historical, artistic, and devotional value. Today, the cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Fidenza and the seat of a parish within the Vicariate of Fidenza. In 1999, ahead of the Jubilee of 2000, Monsignor Maurizio Galli officially opened the Cathedral and Diocesan Museum of Fidenza to house works of art from the cathedral and from churches throughout the diocese.
