Salerno Cathedral

Salerno, Italy

Salerno Cathedral (or duomo) is the main church in the city of Salerno in southern Italy and a major tourist attraction. It is dedicated to Saint Matthew, whose relics are inside the crypt. Begun by Robert Guiscard in 1076 in the episcopate of Alfano I, the Duomo was consecrated by Pope Gregory VII in 1084.

In 1688, the architect Ferdinando Sanfelice remodelled the interior of the Duomo in the Neapolitan Baroque and Rococo styles. A restoration in the 1930s brought it back to an appearance similar to the original one.

The Duomo is a symbol of the Italian Renaissance because inside is the tomb of Pope Gregory VII who rejected imperial domination of the church.

The Duomo was damaged in World War II when, as part of the Operation Avalanche, the Allies landed in Salerno in September 1943.

Architecture and features

The most striking external feature is the bell tower (mid-12th century), with small arcades and mullioned windows, standing 56 m high and in Arabic-Norman style. It contains 8 large bells. The façade has a Romanesque portal with Byzantine-style bronze doors from Constantinople (1099), with 56 panels with figures, crosses and stories from Jesus's life. The entrance has a portico with 28 antique columns whose pointed arches, with lava rock intarsia, show influence of Arab art, and contains a series of ancient Roman sarcophagi.

The interior has a nave and two aisles, divided by pilasters in which the original columns are embedded, and three apses. Artworks include two pulpits with mosaic decorations, paintings by Francesco Solimena, a 14th-century Gothic statue of Madonna with Child and the sepulchres of the Neapolitan queen Margaret of Durazzo, of Roger Borsa and of archbishop Bartolomeo d'Arpano, and the tomb of Pope Gregory VII.

The crypt, believed to house the remains of Matthew the Apostle, is a groin vaulted hall with a basilica-like plan divided by columns. It was restored under design by Domenico Fontana and his son Giulio in 1606–1608, with marble decorations added in the 18th century. All of the ceiling frescoes are painted by Belisario Corenzio and depict scenes from the Gospel of Matthew, as well as some episodes of the history of Salerno (such as the siege of the city by the French).

The Duomo Museum houses artworks from different ages, including the silver statues of the Salernitane Martyrs (13th century) and documents of the renowned Schola Medica Salernitana (the first University of Europe, according to some scholars like G. Crisci).

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1076-1084
Category: Religious sites in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Daniel M (7 months ago)
If you are in Salerno or around, it is 100% worth the visit. The Cattedrale was beautiful itself, nice patio and also main part of the cathedral. Now the crypt was next level. Vatican type of thing that I couldn’t have expected. It is asked from the visitor 1€ to visit it and the “return on investment” its warranted.
Art Ben (8 months ago)
One of the most magnificent cathedrals we have ever seen. Must see if you are anywhere near Salerno. We saw many cathedrals, churches etc while in Italy and this one is at the top of the list. Underground is the tomb of St. Matthew the Apostle which is even more breathtaking than the cathedral. Mosaics every inch.
Keith OConnell (13 months ago)
Be sure not to miss the cripta. It is extremely beautiful. The cathedral is understated and beautiful, but don't miss the cripta.
Andrew Robb (17 months ago)
This is an incredibly beautiful and characterful cathedral worth visiting if you’re in Salerno. It was a Sunday when we visited and the morning mass was finishing so we entered for free. The courtyard is picturesque with some old statues and the bell tower above. The inside of the cathedral is strikingly white with a painted dome which is quite a nice contrast. It’s filled with natural light so it’s worth a stop to spend some time.
Brenda M (18 months ago)
I loved the mosaics so colorful and also being of primarily women. Mary and many angels which you typically don’t see at churches. Plus the geometric shapes on the alters. So great that they offer QR code to look up to get the background on what you are seeing. It was a really nice church.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Santa Maria in Trastevere

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches of Rome. The basic floor plan and wall structure of the church date back to the 340s, and much of the structure to 1140-43. The first sanctuary was built in 221 and 227 by Pope Callixtus I and later completed by Pope Julius I. 

The inscription on the episcopal throne states that this is the first church in Rome dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, although some claim that privilege belongs to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. A Christian house-church was founded here about 220 by Pope Saint Callixtus I (217-222) on the site of the Taberna meritoria, a refuge for retired soldiers. The area was made available for Christian use by Emperor Alexander Severus when he settled a dispute between the Christians and tavern-keepers.

The church underwent two restorations in the fifth and eighth centuries and in 1140-43 it was re-erected on its old foundations under Pope Innocent II.