Aquino Cathedral
Sora-Cassino-Aquino-Pontecorvo·Roman Catholic·Italy
Aquino Cathedral, officially the Co-cathedral of Saints Constantius Bishop and Thomas Aquinas, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Aquino, Lazio, Italy. It is dedicated to Saints Constantius of Aquino and Thomas Aquinas, a prominent theologian and philosopher. The cathedral holds significance as a former episcopal seat and currently serves as a co-cathedral within its diocese, housing relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas.
Key Facts
- ›Originally built in 1094 as San Pietro Vetere, it was later replaced by the church of San Costanzo dedicated to the city's patron saint.
- ›The Baroque church of San Costanzo collapsed and was rebuilt, inaugurated in 1711.
- ›Seriously damaged by bombings in 1944, the cathedral was reconstructed and consecrated in 1963.
- ›It features a modern Greek cross plan with a large mosaic of the Resurrection of Jesus in the apse.
- ›Aquino Cathedral was elevated to the dignity of a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI on January 17, 1974.
- ›It houses relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas, donated by the cathedral of Toulouse.
Relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Large Mosaic of the Resurrection of Jesus, Greek Cross Plan, Basilica Coat of Arms
Breccia-Fratadocchi
About Aquino Cathedral
Aquino Cathedral, officially known as the Co-cathedral of Saints Constantius Bishop and Thomas Aquinas, stands as a significant religious edifice in Aquino, Lazio, Italy. It is dedicated to two revered figures: Saint Constantius of Aquino, a bishop from the 6th century and patron saint of the city, and Saint Thomas Aquinas, the esteemed theologian and philosopher.
History and Construction
The history of cathedrals on this site stretches back to 1094 with the construction of San Pietro Vetere, a donation to the Monastery of Montecassino. Later, a church dedicated to St. Mary of the Angels also existed. By the mid-13th century, San Pietro was replaced by the church of San Costanzo. The Baroque church of San Costanzo, rebuilt by Bishop de Carolis, was inaugurated in 1711, but tragically, it was severely damaged by bombings in 1944.
Following the destruction of the Second World War, a new cathedral was constructed on the opposite side of the square. Designed by architect Breccia-Fratadocchi, this modern structure was consecrated on October 19, 1963. In recognition of its importance, Pope Paul VI elevated Aquino Cathedral to the dignity of a minor basilica on January 17, 1974.
Architecture and Features
The current Aquino Cathedral is characterized by its modern design and an imposing presence, featuring a Greek cross plan. A prominent artistic element is the large mosaic in the apse, which depicts the Resurrection of Jesus. The cathedral also holds sacred relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas, which were gifted by the cathedral of Toulouse.
The basilica's coat of arms is rich in symbolism, featuring the 'Sun of St. Thomas,' representing the patron saint of Aquino and the diocese. It also includes the Papal Banner, signifying its link to the papacy and its basilical status, and two keys, which allude to the Gospel passage concerning Saint Peter's authority.
Significance
Aquino Cathedral formerly served as the episcopal seat for the Diocese of Aquino and later the Diocese of Aquino e Pontecorvo. Since 1818, it has been a co-cathedral within the Diocese of Sora-Aquino-Pontecorvo, a diocese that was further expanded in 2014. The cathedral's dedication to Saint Thomas Aquinas, who was born in nearby Roccasecca, further solidifies its regional importance.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aquino Cathedral dedicated to?
Aquino Cathedral is dedicated to Saints Constantius of Aquino and Thomas Aquinas. Saint Constantius was a bishop of Aquino in the 6th century, while Saint Thomas Aquinas is a renowned theologian and philosopher.
What was the history of cathedrals in Aquino before the current one?
The first cathedral, San Pietro Vetere, was built in 1094. Later, a church dedicated to St. Mary of the Angels existed. Around the mid-13th century, San Pietro was succeeded by the church of San Costanzo, dedicated to the patron saint.
What happened to the cathedral during World War II?
The city of Aquino, including the cathedral of San Costanzo, was subjected to bombings in 1944, which caused serious and irreversible damage.
When was the current Aquino Cathedral consecrated?
The reconstruction of the cathedral was completed, and it was consecrated on October 19, 1963, by the bishop of Aquino, Sora, and Pontecorvo.
What notable artworks or features does Aquino Cathedral possess?
The cathedral is a modern church with a Greek cross plan and features a large mosaic depicting the Resurrection of Jesus in the apse. It also houses relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas.
What is the significance of the basilica coat of arms?
The basilica's coat of arms includes the 'Sun of St. Thomas,' symbolizing Saint Thomas Aquinas. It also features the Papal Banner, alluding to the basilica's title and its connection to the Pope, and two keys, representing the keys of Heaven given to Saint Peter.
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