Acquapendente Cathedral
Diocese of Viterbo·Roman Catholic·Italy
Acquapendente Cathedral, also known as the Basilica Cattedrale di San Sepolcro, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Acquapendente, Lazio, Italy. Originally the church of a Benedictine monastery, it became a cathedral in 1649 and now serves as a co-cathedral within the Diocese of Viterbo. It is notable for its Romanesque origins, its ancient crypt, and its dedication to the Holy Sepulchre.
Key Facts
- ›Originally the church of a Benedictine monastery, it was rebuilt as a Romanesque church in the 12th century.
- ›Became a cathedral in 1649, serving as the seat of the Bishop of Acquapendente.
- ›The crypt dates from the second half of the 10th century and features an unusual arrangement of pillars.
- ›Contains a stone said to be stained with blood from the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
- ›It has traditionally held the status of a basilica minor.
- ›Currently serves as a co-cathedral within the Diocese of Viterbo.
- 10th-Century Crypt With Unusual Pillar Arrangement and Zoomorphic Capitals
- Stone Said To Be From the Holy Sepulchre
- Bas-Reliefs By Agostino Di Duccio
- Neoclassical West Front
About Acquapendente Cathedral
Acquapendente Cathedral, officially known as the Basilica Cattedrale di San Sepolcro, is a significant Roman Catholic religious site located in the town of Acquapendente in Lazio, Italy. Its history traces back to its origins as the church of a former Benedictine monastery. During the Middle Ages, the church gained considerable popularity as a destination for pilgrims, many of whom were seeking miraculous cures, and it was especially noted as a place for the infirm.
History and Development
The present structure began as a Romanesque church in the 12th century. Over the centuries, it underwent numerous attempts at beautification, particularly after it was elevated to cathedral status in 1649. This elevation marked its establishment as the episcopal seat of the newly created Diocese of Acquapendente, succeeding the suppressed Diocese of Castro del Lazio. From the former cathedral of Castro, Acquapendente Cathedral received many valuable treasures, furnishings, and the relics of Saint Bernard of Castro. In a significant administrative change, the bishopric was united with several other dioceses on March 27, 1986, forming the Diocese of Viterbo, within which Acquapendente Cathedral now functions as a co-cathedral. The site has also traditionally held the honorific title of basilica minor.
Architectural and Historical Significance
The cathedral's crypt is a particularly noteworthy feature, predating the main structure and dating from the second half of the 10th century. It is distinguished by an unusual arrangement of pillars that create nine small aisles and by the elaborately carved zoomorphic capitals adorning these pillars. A relic of profound significance is housed within the crypt: a blood-stained stone traditionally said to have come from the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, which gives the cathedral its dedication. The cathedral also contains two bas-reliefs attributed to the Renaissance sculptor Agostino di Duccio, depicting 'Tobias and the Angel' and 'The Victory of Saint Michael over the Dragon'. While the original Romanesque fabric is overlaid with later works, including a Neoclassical west front, the ancient crypt and its relics remain central to its historical and spiritual importance.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Acquapendente Cathedral dedicated to?
Acquapendente Cathedral is dedicated to the Holy Sepulchre. This dedication stems from the presence of a stone within the cathedral's crypt that is said to have come from the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
When did Acquapendente Cathedral become a cathedral?
Acquapendente Cathedral was made a cathedral in 1649. It became the seat of the Bishop of Acquapendente, a diocese established that year.
What is significant about the crypt of Acquapendente Cathedral?
The crypt, dating from the late 10th century, is of particular interest due to its unique layout with numerous pillars dividing the space into nine small aisles. The pillars themselves feature elaborately carved zoomorphic capitals.
What is the current diocesan status of Acquapendente Cathedral?
The bishopric of Acquapendente was united with several other dioceses in 1986 to form the Diocese of Viterbo. Acquapendente Cathedral now serves as a co-cathedral within this larger diocese.
What are some notable artworks within the cathedral?
The cathedral houses two bas-reliefs attributed to Agostino di Duccio: 'Tobias and the Angel' and 'The Victory of Saint Michael over the Dragon'.
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