Saint Bernard’s Chapel
Saint Bernardo degli Uberti, patron of the diocese of Parma, was Bishop in 1106. He is remembered particularly for having brought the diocese back under the influence of the Gregorian Reforms during the period of the Investiture Controversy. 1544 saw the preparation of the chapel we see today. In 1548, the body of San Bernardo was solemnly transferred to the urn. A statue of the saint adorns the urn: seated, his beard flowing, wearing a cope and holding an open book, his right hand raised in an attitude of blessing. Based on the drawing by Girolamo Bedoli Mazzola.

The Rusconi Chapel
This chapel was prepared as the burial place of Bishop Giovanni Rusconi, originally from Como, who died in 1412. The western wall bears a fresco depicting the commissioning Bishop kneeling to the left of the ornate throne of the Virgin, whilst his patron saints (John the Evangelist and John the Baptist) intercede on his behalf. At the centre of the starred vault, in a cornice of large crossed petals, is a lamb with a flag bearing the Cross, surrounded by prophets. On the arch, the four Evangelists are depicted in animated poses. In the centre is a rare representation of the Trinity as one head with three faces, a form later prohibited by the Church.

The Ravacaldi Chapel
Antonio Ravacaldi commissioned an artist from the Roman school – Giovanni, (1427-31) – to paint this chapel. He painted a cycle of frescoes depicting the life of Mary from the Apocryphal Gospels, of which only a few scenes remain, much of the work has fallen away due to damp, or was destroyed to allow for openings and utilities. Still intact, on the lower wall, is a depiction of the Annunciation, with a salutation to Mary flowing from the mouth of the Angel, written in gilded Gothic characters.