Salerno Cathedral

The Salerno Cathedral, known locally as Cattedrale di Salerno, stands as a magnificent testament to the rich history and architectural splendor of Salerno, Italy. Officially named Cattedrale Primaziale Metropolitana di Santa Maria degli Angeli, San Matteo e San Gregorio VII, this stunning cathedral is the main place of Catholic worship in the city. With its roots tracing back to the 11th century, the Salerno Cathedral is a treasure trove of historical and artistic significance, offering visitors a captivating journey through time.

The History of Salerno Cathedral

The Salerno Cathedral was constructed between 1080 and 1085, following the conquest of the city by Robert Guiscard. The cathedral was consecrated in June 1084 by Pope Gregory VII, who was in exile in Salerno at the time. Built on the site of a former early Christian church dedicated to Santa Maria degli Angeli, which itself was erected on the ruins of a Roman temple, the cathedral's initial construction was relatively modest. However, the discovery of the relics of Saint Matthew, interred in the ancient church on May 4, 954, led to the expansion of the project.

Over the centuries, the Salerno Cathedral has undergone numerous renovations and modifications, particularly following the earthquake of 1688. These renovations were carried out by architects Ferdinando Sanfelice, Arcangelo Guglielmelli, and Carlo Buratti, who were responsible for the cathedral's current interior appearance and the vaulted ceiling. Recent efforts have partially restored the cathedral to its original Romanesque structure, allowing visitors to appreciate its historical grandeur.

Exploring the Salerno Cathedral

As you approach the Salerno Cathedral, you are greeted by its Baroque façade and the impressive Porta dei Leoni (Door of the Lions), named for the lion statues flanking its sides. These statues symbolize the strength of Christ and his power to condemn, while a lioness nursing her cub represents charity and Christ's salvific mercy. The architrave above the door bears an inscription commemorating the alliance between the principalities of Salerno and Capua, and the frieze depicts a vine plant, symbolizing the salvific blood of Christ.

The Quadriportico

Upon entering through the Porta dei Leoni, visitors find themselves in the cathedral's spacious atrium, one of the few remaining examples of a Romanesque quadriportico in Italy, alongside the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio in Milan. The atrium is surrounded by a colonnade, with columns sourced from the nearby Roman Forum in Piazza Conforti, topped with arches adorned with volcanic stone inlays. The upper loggia, featuring bifora and pentafora windows, is considered the starting point of Mediterranean architecture.

At the center of the atrium once stood a monolithic granite fountain, now relocated to Naples' Villa Comunale. The current fountain is a historic baptismal font, adding to the atrium's serene ambiance. The atrium also houses several Roman sarcophagi repurposed as tombs, including the notable Capograsso tomb, the sarcophagus of Margherita di Durazzo, and the Duke Guglielmo's tomb, steeped in local legend.

The Campanile

Adjacent to the quadriportico's southern side is the Salerno Cathedral's monumental campanile, a striking example of Arab-Norman architecture. Standing nearly 52 meters tall with a base measuring approximately ten meters per side, the campanile was commissioned by Archbishop William of Ravenna between 1137 and 1152. The tower is composed of four tiers, with the lower two constructed of travertine for stability, and the upper two of lighter brick. Each tier is adorned with spacious bifora windows, distributing the weight to the corners.

The campanile's upper section is particularly remarkable, featuring twelve interlaced arches in alternating materials, contributing to the distinctive cultural ambiance of the Salerno-Amalfi region. The cupola is encircled by a band of six-pointed stars, adding to the campanile's intricate beauty.

The Interior and Crypt

Inside the Salerno Cathedral, visitors are treated to a harmonious blend of Romanesque and Baroque elements. The interior, designed by Carlo Buratti, features a magnificent vaulted ceiling and an array of religious artwork and artifacts. The cathedral's crypt, an aula with columns and apses corresponding to those of the upper transept, is a unique feature in Southern Italy. This type of crypt, common in Northern Italy and Europe, was unusual in the region at the time and has since influenced other churches in the area.

Conclusion

The Salerno Cathedral is not just a place of worship; it is a living museum of history, art, and architecture. Its walls tell the story of Salerno's past, from its early Christian roots to its Romanesque and Baroque transformations. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, the Salerno Cathedral offers a rich and rewarding experience that will leave a lasting impression.