Ariano Cathedral

Ariano Irpino, Italy

Ariano Cathedral is a Romanesque building on a Latin cross groundplan, with three naves under groin vaulting, crossed by an elevated transept, terminating in the presbytery. The cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and to Saint Ottone Frangipane and Saint Elzéar of Sabran, protectors of the city. In 1984 John Paul II granted it the title of a basilica minor.

Originating from the 10th century and built on the ancient ruins of a temple of Apollo, the building has been repeatedly ravaged by earthquakes and pillaging, leading to countless repairs and refurbishments over the centuries. Of the original structure all that is known is that it was ruined in an earthquake of 988. It was quickly rebuilt, and the new cathedral remained standing until 1255, when the troops of Manfred stormed the city wall and destroyed the entire city, including the cathedral, because of its loyalty to the papacy. The new king, Charles of Anjou, when he had defeated Manfred, had all the places rebuilt which Manfred had destroyed, including Ariano and its cathedral, although it was not completed until 1309. The new building was devastated by the earthquakes of 1349 and 1456. The bishop at that time, Orso de Leone, undertook the responsibility of the rebuilding, of which remains can still be seen in the ancient crypt and in the lower part of the internal pilasters (now plastered).

The cathedral suffered again in the earthquakes of 1688, 1702 and 1732. On the last occasion the then bishop, Filippo Tipaldi, completed the new construction in 1736, giving it the form and structure it has today. The interior is covered in plaster and stucco in Baroque style, hiding the pilasters and arches of massive stone, and leaving no sign of the preceding Romanesque and Gothic features.

Externally the west front is Romanesque with a gabled (or double sloped) roof, built in 1500 in green sandstone from Roseto. The three portals are also of this period, but the rose windows are later. The building, which is elevated above street level, is reached by an arrangement of steps of a later period.

Ariano Cathedral has preserved a single thorn believed to have been taken from Jesus' crown of thorns. It has been recorded since 1633 that the thorn 'bleeds' whenever Good Friday falls on 25 March, which is the traditional date for both the Annunciation and the Crucifixion of Christ. Even now the thorn and the treasure are retained in the Diocesan Museum of Silver, near the Cathedral.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1309
Category: Religious sites in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Victor Pereira (2 years ago)
Very beautiful. must be visited
Peppino BN (2 years ago)
Not easy to describe ... much better to see it in person!
Francesco Jacques (5 years ago)
Located in the center of the village, its massive facade breaks into the square. Seat of the bishop's palace and the scenic staircase for weddings.
Dino Zocco (6 years ago)
Built in the 10th century, the cathedral has been damaged several times over the centuries by various earthquakes and subsequently rebuilt. In the bell tower, behind the cathedral there is the bishop's residence. The stone facade is in Romanesque style and is preceded by a staircase. The interior with three naves has a Latin cross plan. The naves, surmounted by cross vaults which house the canvases depicting the Twelve Apostles in rich stucco frames. In the apse, you can admire the canvas of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven (1745) made by an anonymous artist at the behest of the then bishop Tipaldi. The pulpit with rectangular bas-relief panels is very beautiful
Antonio Graziano (7 years ago)
Very beautiful Cathedral
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Vufflens Castle

Vufflens castle was built in 1425 on the site of a previous medieval castle by Henri de Colombier. It is the most significant example of a small group of fortified Romandy castles from the middle ages, characterised above all by its brick construction. In 1530, it was set on fire by Bernese troops. In 1641 it was acquired by the de Senarclens family. The castle is currently privately owned and cannot be visited.

A pleasant 30 minute-walk through the vineyards between Vufflens-le-Château and Denens, offers a stunning view of this magnificent castle, the lake and the Mont-Blanc.