After the preceding "Domus Justinae" in Piacenza had collapsed in 1117 after an earthquake, the "Duomo di Piacenza" (aka "Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e Santa Giustina") was erected between 1122 and 1233.

The cathedral has a total length of 85 m. making it the largest Romanesque church in Emilia-Romagna.

Unfortunately the Duomo was under reconstruction and hidden under scaffoldings. I could not enter, as it was locked on this rainy day. So I could not the see the interior and the crypt, known for more than 100 Romanesque pillars.

The duomo has a very slender, elegant central apse with this extraordinary window.

To the top left is Angel Gabriel, holding a banner, that reads "AVE MARIA GRATIA PLENA DOMINUS TECUM" - "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee" = Luke 1.28.

Written on the banner held by the bearded prophet below is "ORIETUR STELLA EX JACOB" - "A star will rise from Jacob" = Numbers 24:17,

while the prophet ob the right holds the banner "ECCE VIRGO CONCIPIET ET PARIET" - "The virgin will conceive and give birth" = Matthew 1:23.

Stunning is that delicate semicircular frame with the four heads.