Perugia Cathedral

Perugia Cathedral, also known as Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural splendor of the Umbrian capital. This grandiose structure, dedicated to Saint Lawrence, has been the heart of the city's religious life for centuries and continues to enchant visitors with its intricate design and storied past.

The Historical Tapestry of Perugia Cathedral

The origins of Perugia Cathedral trace back to the early medieval period. The first cathedral in Perugia was constructed between 930 and 1060, situated on the ancient forum of the Etruscan-Roman city. However, the cathedral as we know it today began to take shape in the 14th century, thanks to the ambitious project initiated by Fra Bevignate in the 1300s. The foundation stone was laid on August 20, 1345, as recorded by the chronicles of the Baglioni family. Despite numerous interruptions, construction resumed in 1437 and the cathedral was eventually completed in 1490.

Officially consecrated in 1569, the cathedral underwent significant modifications over the centuries, including the addition of a brick section in the 17th century. The exterior decoration, featuring a geometric pattern of pink and white marble quadrilobes, remains incomplete, adding a unique character to the cathedral's appearance.

Architectural Marvels of Perugia Cathedral

Unlike many cathedrals, Perugia Cathedral's lateral side faces the city's main square, overlooking the Fontana Maggiore and the Palazzo dei Priori. This side is adorned with the Loggia di Braccio, a proto-Renaissance structure commissioned by Braccio da Montone in 1423 and attributed to Fioravante Fioravanti from Bologna. Underneath the loggia, you can glimpse part of a Roman wall, the foundations of the old bell tower, and the Perugian measurements of the foot and half-cane, indicating the square's historical role as a marketplace.

The lateral side is also characterized by Gothic windows and a Renaissance portal designed by Galeazzo Alessi in 1568 and crafted in travertine by Ippolito Scalza. Adjacent to the portal is a 15th-century pulpit composed of ancient fragments and Cosmatesque mosaics, from which Saint Bernardino of Siena preached in 1425 and 1427. A wooden crucifix by Polidoro Ciburri, placed by the Perugians during the Salt War in 1540 as a protest against Pope Paul III, adds to the historical significance of this side.

In front of the cathedral stands a bronze statue of Pope Julius III, created by Vincenzo Danti in 1555. This statue commemorates the pope's role in restoring local magistratures previously suppressed by Paul III. In 2023, the city expanded the pedestrian area in front of the main facade, enhancing the cathedral's accessibility and prominence.

The main facade, facing Piazza Danti, features a Baroque portal designed by Pietro Carattoli in 1729. The exposed brickwork reveals the supporting hooks for a marble cladding that was never added. The northern side was decorated with bronze reliefs by Perugian sculptor Artemio Giovanni for the Jubilee 2000.

The Towering Bell Tower

The original bell tower was destroyed in 1371 by the abbot of Monmaggiore. The new bell tower, built between 1606 and 1612 based on designs by Bino Sozi, now stands as a prominent feature of the cathedral.

The Interior Splendor

Step inside Perugia Cathedral, and you'll be greeted by a Latin cross layout with three naves divided by octagonal pillars. The interior, measuring 68 meters in length, features Gothic structures covered with 18th-century stuccoes and fine gilding. The ribbed vaults, adorned with paintings by Francesco Appiani, Vincenzo Monotti, Valentino Carattoli, Carlo Spiridione Mariotti, Marcello Leopardi, and Domenico Sergardi, serve as a testament to Perugian 18th-century artistry.

The Captivating Chapels

Among the cathedral's many chapels, the Chapel of the Holy Ring, also known as the Chapel of Saint Joseph, stands out. It houses the relic of the purported Holy Ring of the Virgin Mary, a green stone of chalcedony or onyx brought to Perugia in 1473 by a German friar. The ring is encased in a Renaissance masterpiece crafted by Bino di Pietro and Federico and Cesarino del Roscetto. The chapel is protected by an iron gate created by Bernardino and Giacomo di Matteo between 1496 and 1511. The relic is displayed to the public twice a year, in September and July, with the opening of fourteen locks.

The Chapel of Saint Bernardino, located to the right of the main entrance, houses Federico Barocci's Deposition from the Cross from 1569, a masterpiece of European 16th-century painting. The chapel also features a wooden bench by Jacopo di Antonio Fiorentino and Ercole di Tommaso del Ricco, and a stained glass window designed by Hendrik van den Broeck in 1565.

A Journey Through Time

Perugia Cathedral is not just a religious building; it is a journey through the rich tapestry of Perugian history. From its incomplete exterior to its splendid interiors, every corner of the cathedral tells a story of faith, art, and resilience. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a curious traveler, Perugia Cathedral offers a captivating glimpse into the heart of Umbria's cultural heritage.