SANTA MARIA CATHEDRAL

The cathedral was completed in the ^13th century. Built as an extension of the medieval city wall, it has fortified foundations. In 1994, it was closed to the public as it threatened to collapse. A lengthy restoration program was then undertaken, and is still underway today. In 2000, archaeologists excavated the site, uncovering numerous tombs. A fascinating guided tour explains the restoration process. Writer Ken Follett became fascinated by the restoration and used the site to set the plot of one of his novels.