It was consecrated by Pope Gregory VII himself, who took refuge in Salerno. Today it brings back a set of wonderful and precious elements that recall its evolution, from Romanesque to Baroque, passing through Lombard, Byzantine, Norman and Renaissance... #tuttitaly
The Cathedral of Salerno, a symbol of power and devotion, carries with it a rich history that traces its roots back to ancient times. Commissioned by the Norman duke Robert Guiscard after the conquest of the city in 1076, this majestic sacred building has witnessed epochal changes and crucial moments in the history of ancient Salerno.
The construction of the Cathedral was undertaken with the intention of honoring the Evangelist Matthew, whose remains had been kept in the city since 954. The Norman duke, eager to gain the favor of the population exhausted by the siege, decided to erect a grand and solemn temple dedicated to this important saint. Thus, the Cathedral of Salerno was born, a masterful example of basilica architecture with three longitudinal naves, a raised transept, and an elegant quadriportico.
After years of work and dedication, the Cathedral was finally completed in 1084 and consecrated by Pope Gregory VII. The imposing bell tower and the atrium are what remains of the original Romanesque structure, while the rest of the building shines with a splendid Baroque renovation following the earthquake of 1688.
One of the Cathedral's most precious treasures is its transept, adorned with a striking mosaic floor that, in front of the main altar, transforms into a magnificent "spring meadow" dotted with six-petal flowers. The majestic Baroque ribbed vaults, frescoes, and the double bronze statue of the Patron Saint in the center create an angelic and timeless atmosphere that enchants all who cross the threshold of this magnificent structure.
A visit to this sacred place is a journey through time, a unique experience that envelops the senses and nourishes the soul, guaranteeing intense emotions and indelible memories.
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