Altamura Cathedral

Altamura Cathedral, known locally as Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, stands as a majestic symbol of history and spirituality in the heart of Altamura, Italy. This splendid cathedral, with its imposing twin towers and intricate stonework, is a testament to centuries of architectural evolution and religious dedication. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or a spiritual seeker, Altamura Cathedral promises a journey through time, filled with awe and reverence.

The History of Altamura Cathedral

Altamura Cathedral's origins trace back to the early 13th century when the city was repopulated under the auspices of Emperor Frederick II. Construction of the cathedral began between 1232 and 1254, making it the oldest and most revered monument in the city. Initially designed with its facade facing west, the cathedral was built to ensure that the faithful and the clergy prayed facing east, towards the rising sun, a common practice in ancient church architecture.

Legend has it that the cathedral was constructed on the site of a pre-existing pagan temple. Some historians, like Domenico Santoro in 1688, speculated that it could have been a temple dedicated to Castor and Pollux, as evidenced by statues of these deities on the cathedral's choir capitals. More recent archaeological findings have confirmed the influence of Magna Grecia in the area, dating back to the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE. Another theory, proposed by priest Vitangelo Frizzale in 1755, suggested that the previous temple was dedicated to the Roman god Janus, supported by the presence of a bifront herm on the cathedral's ancient facade.

The cathedral's history is marked by significant events, including its collapse on January 29, 1316, and subsequent reconstruction with the help of craftsmen from Bitonto. The 15th century saw the church elevated to the status of an insigne collegiata, necessitating the expansion of the presbytery and choir. The 16th century brought further changes, including the addition of a symmetrical bell tower and the extension of the existing one, culminating in the addition of bell cells in the 18th century.

In 1929, following the Lateran Pacts, the cathedral ceased to be a palatine church and became part of the Diocese of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti. It was recognized as a national monument of Italy in 1940. The cathedral's architectural evolution continued with neo-Gothic decorations added between 1850 and 1860 by architect Travaglini, enhancing the church's grandeur with alternating shades of gold and stucco.

Exploring Altamura Cathedral

As you approach Altamura Cathedral, the first thing that captures your attention is its stunning facade, characterized by two towering bell towers connected by a balustraded loggia. From this loggia, a statue of the Virgin Immaculate gazes down, flanked by statues of Saints Peter and Paul. The facade also features a magnificent 14th-century rose window with 15 rays, centered by a bas-relief of the Agnus Dei.

The cathedral's portal, dating from the 14th century, is a masterpiece of Gothic sculpture. Supported by two columns resting on lions, the portal's tympanum displays the coats of arms of the Angevin rulers of Naples and the Princes of Taranto, dating the portal to between 1356 and 1374. The portal is adorned with biblical scenes, including the Virgin and Child in the lunette, the Last Supper on the architrave, and 22 scenes from the life of Jesus in the arches.

The Interior of Altamura Cathedral

Stepping inside Altamura Cathedral, you are greeted by a spacious basilica with three naves, divided by columns and pilasters. The central nave is crowned by a richly decorated wooden ceiling with golden stuccoes. The nave culminates in a grand 18th-century high altar, initiated by marmorist Ghetti in 1736 and completed in 1793. The altar painting, created by Leonardo Castellano in 1546, depicts the Assumption of the Virgin.

The presbytery is further enriched by a sumptuous walnut choir from 1543, a stone ambo with scenes from the life of Jesus, and a 16th-century wooden pulpit. The cathedral's side chapels, six on each side, are equally impressive. The first chapel on the left houses a polychrome stone nativity scene from 1587, while the fourth chapel, dedicated to Saint Joseph, features a baroque altar with a statue of Saint Joseph holding the Child Jesus.

Among the cathedral's treasures is a canvas by Domenico Morelli, depicting the Conversion of Saint Paul, painted in 1876. The cathedral's rich history and architectural splendor make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the historic town of Altamura.

Architectural Evolution

Over the centuries, Altamura Cathedral has undergone various modifications. Initially, it featured a tiburium containing the house of the clock, which housed weights for the clock mechanism. The cathedral's facade and interior have been adapted and expanded to meet the needs of its growing congregation and the evolving architectural styles of different periods.

Today, Altamura Cathedral stands as a beacon of faith, history, and architectural beauty, inviting visitors to explore its sacred spaces and delve into the rich tapestry of its past. Whether you are drawn by its historical significance, its artistic treasures, or its spiritual ambiance, Altamura Cathedral offers a profound and unforgettable experience.