Campanile Della Chiesa Delle Orsoline in Alessandria 1890

Giuseppe Barberis rendered this striking view of the Campanile della Chiesa delle Orsoline in Alessandria, likely in the late 19th century. The campanile, or bell tower, is crowned with a dome and topped by a cross, all potent symbols of the Christian faith. The cross atop the dome, a symbol of sacrifice and redemption, is a motif that extends far beyond this Italian church. From ancient Roman standards to medieval reliquaries and modern-day jewelry, the cross embodies an emotional intersection between suffering and salvation. Think, for example, of the ankh in ancient Egypt, a symbol of life, or even the simple plus sign used in mathematics. The dome itself, reminiscent of Byzantine architecture, echoes the heavens, suggesting the divine and the eternal. Across cultures, domes appear in various sacred structures, each an attempt to capture the intangible essence of the cosmos. These architectural forms transcend mere physical space, resonating with deep psychological needs for orientation and meaning. As you observe these enduring symbols, reflect on their cyclical journey. The dome, the cross: they resurface, transform, and continue to evoke profound responses within us.