Acquaviva Cathedral

Acquaviva delle Fonti Cathedral

Acquaviva delle Fonti Cathedral, officially known as the Concattedrale di Sant'Eustachio, is the principal church of the town of Acquaviva delle Fonti in Italy. It currently serves as a co-cathedral within the Diocese of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti. Historically, it held the status of a palatine church, indicating a direct connection to royal jurisdiction.

History and Construction

The origins of the cathedral trace back to the 12th century, with its initial construction in 1158 in the Romanesque style. This early structure was built by Roberto Gurguglione, a Norman feudal lord, on the site of an older Messapian temple. The church was originally dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

Significant rebuilding efforts commenced in the 16th century. Under the patronage of Giovanni Antonio Donato Acquaviva, the church was reconstructed in the Renaissance style, beginning in 1529. The work was completed and the church reopened for worship in 1594, during the governance of Alberto Acquaviva. The consecration took place in 1623, at which time it was rededicated to Saint Eustace, a martyr.

The designation as a 'palatine' church meant it was likely protected from the authority of the Archbishop of Bari and answered directly to the king. This status was shared with a few other significant churches in the Apulia region.

Architecture and Features

The cathedral presents a fascinating blend of architectural styles. The main façade is characterized by Renaissance elements, including a tripartite design divided by pilasters and organized into two orders with Corinthian and Doric capitals. A prominent Renaissance rose window, tending towards Mannerism, adorns the center of the façade, featuring sixteen columns arranged in a radial pattern.

In contrast, the rest of the façades display architectural characteristics reminiscent of the Apulian Romanesque style. The main portal is distinguished by a finely decorated prothyrum, supported by columns resting on two stylophoric lions. The side portals are topped by niches that once held bas-reliefs depicting the coat of arms of Acquaviva delle Fonti.

The interior of the cathedral follows a Latin cross layout and is divided into three naves, all covered by vaulted ceilings. Large arches supported by stone pillars with half-projecting columns define the structure. The perimeter walls also feature half-extended columns. The vaults, pillars, and columns are embellished with stucco work.

The Crypt

Beneath the main structure lies a crypt, believed to have been built concurrently with the primitive church. This parallelogram-shaped crypt is covered by twenty-four cross vaults, supported by fourteen marble Ionic columns in the central area and smaller pillars along the perimeter walls. The crypt houses three significant altars. One altar features a picture of Saint Eustace, flanked by marble sculptures of his wife, Theopiste, and his sons, Theopistos and Agapios. The central altar, dating from 1693 and dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament, is surrounded by balustrades. The front altar, entirely of silver, is an octagonal temple surmounted by a small dome and contains a large tabernacle. A third altar, dedicated to the Virgin of Constantinople and dating from 1753, is also covered in silver sheets and features a painting attributed to Francesco Palvisino.