Anagni Cathedral

Anagni Cathedral, officially the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunziata, is a significant Catholic cathedral located in the city of Anagni, Lazio, Italy. It serves as the episcopal seat for the Diocese of Anagni-Alatri and is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The cathedral is a notable example of religious architecture, blending Romanesque and Gothic-Lombard styles, and holds considerable historical importance.

History and Significance

The construction of Anagni Cathedral began in 1072 and was completed in 1104, showcasing Romanesque architectural principles with patronage from the Byzantine emperor Michele VII Ducas. For centuries, Anagni served as a favored summer residence for the Popes, particularly during the 12th and 13th centuries, a period when the cathedral witnessed crucial religious and political events. It was within these walls that Bernard of Clairvaux was canonized in 1174 and Clare of Assisi in 1255. In a dramatic turn of events, Pope Alexander III excommunicated Frederick Barbarossa here in 1160, highlighting the cathedral's role in medieval European affairs.

Architectural Features

The interior of Anagni Cathedral underwent a significant refurbishment in 1250, adopting a Gothic-Lombard style. A prominent feature is the pavement, laid in 1231, which is a masterful example of Cosmatesque mosaic work. The main altar is crowned by a ciborium completed by Vassalletto in 1267. The apse walls are adorned with frescoes of the apostles, painted in the 17th century by Borgogna, with the half-dome apse frescoes completed in the 19th century by Giovanni and Pietro Gagliardi. A wooden triptych of the Saviour is located in the right nave.

The Crypt

A stairwell on the left side of the church leads to the cathedral's crypt, which is dedicated to St Magnus, the patron saint of Anagni. During the episcopate of Pandulf (1237-1256), the crypt's walls were covered with frescoes depicting biblical scenes, many of which are now severely damaged. It is believed that several artists, possibly followers of Pietro Cavallini, contributed to these works. Behind the altar, depictions of Christ, the Madonna, St Thomas, and other bishops can be found. Various other altars within the crypt are dedicated to Saints Secondina, Aurelia, Neomisia, Holy Martyrs, and Bishop Pietro da Salerno, along with the Holy Virgin Oliva. The mosaic pavement of the crypt was completed by the Cosma family in 1231. A narrow passageway also leads to the frescoed oratory of St Thomas Beckett.