Altamura Cathedral

Altamura Cathedral, officially known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, is a prominent Roman Catholic cathedral located in the city of Altamura, within the Metropolitan City of Bari in the Apulia region of southern Italy. Dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it stands as a significant religious and historical landmark.

History and Construction

The cathedral's origins trace back to Emperor Frederick II, who initiated its construction between 1232 and 1254. Initially, its main gate and altar were positioned in reverse of the current layout. A notable event in its history was a collapse on January 29, 1316, after which the church was rebuilt with the aid of skilled artisans from the nearby town of Bitonto. Over centuries, Altamura Cathedral underwent several transformations and expansions. The northern portal dates to the early 14th century, while the 16th century saw the addition of a second bell tower, the altar area, and the sacristy. The upper sections of the bell towers and the loggia between them were added in the 18th century, and the clock tower was completed in 1858.

Architectural Features

The cathedral exhibits a blend of architectural styles, reflecting its long construction history. The façade is characterized by two tall bell towers, with variations in their numbering of Romanesque and Gothic elements. Most portals and windows feature Gothic pointed arches. A significant architectural element is the 14th-century rose window, distinguished by its 15 rays and a central bas-relief depicting the Agnus Dei. The 14th-century portal is particularly noteworthy, enclosed within a prothyrum supported by columns resting on lion sculptures. This portal is richly decorated with sculpted Biblical scenes, including a Virgin with Child and Two Angels in the lunette and a Last Supper on the architrave.

Internally, the cathedral comprises a nave and two aisles separated by columns and pillars, with matronaea at the sides. The capitals retain their Byzantine style, representing some of the earliest visible decorative details from Frederick II's original structure. The nave is covered by a wooden ceiling adorned with gilded stuccoes. The interior houses a lavishly decorated wooden choir from 1543, a stone ambon with sculpted scenes from Jesus' life, and a wooden pulpit from the 16th century. Among the side chapels, the first left chapel contains a polychrome wooden nativity scene from 1587, and the fourth left chapel, dedicated to St. Joseph, is in the Baroque style.

Current Status and Significance

Altamura Cathedral has undergone significant restoration efforts, including major works in 2006 that restored its external walls to their original white color, and further renovations in 2017 addressing the floor, lighting, and portals. Since 1986, it has served as the seat of the Bishop of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti, underscoring its continuing importance as a center of religious life in the region.