Benevento Cathedral

Benevento Cathedral, officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santa Maria de Episcopio, stands as the principal church and the seat of the Archbishops of Benevento in southern Italy. Its historical roots are deeply embedded in the Lombard foundation of the Duchy of Benevento, with its origins generally dated to the early 7th century. The site itself holds ancient significance, having been the location of the first Christian church in Benevento, built upon the foundations of the Roman capitol.

History and Rebuilding

The cathedral's history is marked by continuous development and significant destruction. Early enlargements occurred in the 8th century under Duke Arechis II and again around 830 by Prince Sico I, who added classical columns that remained a characteristic feature until the 20th century. The church was elevated to an archbishopric in the 10th century. Subsequent centuries saw it damaged by earthquakes, notably in 1456, which led to repairs and a consecration in 1473, possibly with the addition of further aisles. Further modifications were made before another reconsecration in 1687. Devastating earthquakes in 1688 and 1702 also impacted the structure, shaping its appearance until it was largely destroyed by Allied bombings during World War II in 1943. The modern edifice, completed in the 1950s and 1960s, was designed by Paolo Rossi de Paoli, though it consciously preserved elements of its past.

Architectural Features

Despite the extensive reconstruction, Benevento Cathedral retains its Romanesque façade and bell tower, both dating from the late 13th century. The façade is constructed entirely of white marble, drawing inspiration from contemporary Pisan architecture. It features two orders of six arcades, with the main portal framed by an architrave and richly decorated imposts, some of which are re-used Roman elements. The upper arcades form a loggia, separated by decorated columns, and the arcade above the portal is adorned with a rose window depicting the Mystic Lamb. The sturdy, square bell tower, erected by Archbishop Romano Capodiferro and dated to 1279, is notable for its frieze of 17 Roman gravestones and a West-side feature of a Roman labarum. A relief of a wild boar at its base may allude to the city's foundation or pre-Roman origins.

Interior and Preserved Elements

The interior of the modern cathedral, while largely a product of the 20th-century rebuilding, houses significant historical artifacts. Among these are a large statue of Saint Bartholomew, dating from the early 14th century, and several 18th-century artworks that miraculously survived the 1943 bombing. The crypt of the original 7th–8th-century church remains preserved, offering a tangible link to the cathedral's earliest history and containing remnants of 14th-century frescoes.