Amalfi Cathedral
| Amalfi Cathedral Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea/Duomo di Amalfi (Italian) | |
|---|---|
 View of the cathedral and the steps leading to it from the Piazza del Duomo. | |
| Basic information | |
| Location | Piazza del Duomo, Amalfi, Italy |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Cathedral |
| Architectural description | |
| Architectural style | Romanesque-Baroque- Rococo |
Amalfi Cathedral (Italian: Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea/Duomo di Amalfi) is a 9th-century Roman Catholic structure in the Piazza del Duomo, Amalfi, Italy. It is dedicated to the Apostle Saint Andrew. Predominantly of Arab-Norman Romanesque architectural style, it has been remodeled several times, adding Romanesque, Byzantine, Gothic, and Baroque elements. The cathedral includes the adjoining 9th century Basilica of the Crucifix. Leading from the basilica are steps into the Crypt of St. Andrew.[1]
History
The newer cathedral was built next to the older basilica that was built on the ruins of a previous temple.[2] The remains of St. Andrew were reportedly brought to Amalfi from Constantinople in 1206 during the Fourth Crusade[3] by Cardinal Peter of Capua. In 1208, the crypt was completed and the relics were turned over to the church.[2] It said that later on Manna issued from the saint's bones.[4]
Architecture and fittings
Interior
A wooden 13th century Crucifix hangs in the liturgical area. Another crucifix, made of mother-of-pearl, was brought from the Holy Land and is located to the right of the back door.[5]
The High Altar in the central nave is formed from the sarcophagus of the Archbishop Pietro Capuano (died 1214). Above the altar is a painting by Andrea dell'Asta of The Martyrdom of St. Andrew. The boxed ceiling dates to 1702 and its artwork includes the Flagellation, the Crucifixion of the Apostle, and the Dell'Asta's 1710 Miracle of the Manna. The triumphal arch is held up by two Egyptian granite columns. There are two additional twisted columns and two pulpits that were part of the 12th century ambo. One of the pillars boasts a hidden column as an example of the ancient Romanesque structure.
Exterior
The front facade was rebuilt in 1891 after the original one collapsed. It is of striped marble and stone with open arches that have lace detailing not commonly found in Italian sacred architecture while the tiled cupola is quite common amongst churches of the area.[4] The tympanum's mosaics portray “The triumph of Christ” in a work created by Domenico Morelli and whose original designs are retained in the Town Hall.
Sixty-two steps, wide and steep, lead up to the doors.[3] Cast in Constantinople before 1066, and signed by Simeon of Syria, the cathedral's bronze doors are the earliest in Italy of post-Roman manufacture.[1] Begun in 1180, and completed over 100 years later, the Romanesque style bell tower is off-center. The structure includes four small towers of Arab architectural type that are adorned with arches and are covered with majolica tiles. During times of war, the bell tower was purposed for defense.[3]
The garden contains colonnades, arches and sculptures.[4]
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The Bell tower of the Cathedral
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Amalfi Cathedral mosaic
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Bronze portal of the Cathedral
References
- 1 2 Fodor's (2010). Fodor's Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Naples. Random House, Inc. p. 326. ISBN 1-4000-0735-6.
- 1 2 "Saint Andrew’s Cathedral". Portal of Cultural Heritage and Activities - Regiono of Campani. Retrieved 27 September 2010.
- 1 2 3 Austin, Bill; Nelson, Barry; Kaiser, Jon (1999). "Amalfi on the Amalfi Coast by". Tour of Italy for the Financially Challenged. Retrieved 27 September 2010.
- 1 2 3 Carter, Marina. Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast. Hunter Publishing, Inc. ISBN 1-58843-774-4.
- ↑ Steves, Rick (2008). Rick Steves' Italy 2009. Avalon Travel. p. 811. ISBN 1-59880-116-3.
Media related to Duomo (Amalfi) at Wikimedia Commons
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Coordinates: 40°38′04″N 14°36′11″E / 40.63444°N 14.60306°E