Bitonto Cathedral
Archdiocese of Bari-Bitonto·Roman Catholic·Italy
Bitonto Cathedral, also known as the Concattedrale di Maria SS. Assunta, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Bitonto, Italy. Originally the seat of the Bishopric of Bitonto from its believed foundation in the 8th century, it later became a co-cathedral within the Archdiocese of Bari-Bitonto.
Key Facts
- ›The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Mary.
- ›Remains of an earlier Palaeochristian church were found beneath the current structure.
- ›The present building is a Romanesque edifice dating from the late 11th-12th centuries.
- ›It features a west front with three portals, four mullioned windows, and a rose window.
- ›A notable artwork is the marble ambo, a pulpit and lectern, created in 1229.
- ›A tile depicting a griffin, from the predecessor church, is preserved in the crypt.
Marble Ambo, West Front With Three Portals, Rose Window, Tile of A Griffin In the Crypt
About Bitonto Cathedral
Bitonto Cathedral, officially the Concattedrale di Maria SS. Assunta, is a significant religious edifice located in the city of Bitonto, within the Province of Bari, Italy. It holds historical importance as the former seat of the Bishopric of Bitonto, believed to have been founded in the 8th century.
History and Significance
The cathedral's history is intertwined with the ecclesiastical divisions of the region. It served as the primary cathedral for the Bishopric of Bitonto until 1818, when it was merged with the neighboring Diocese of Ruvo. Following a brief revival of the Diocese of Bitonto in 1982, it was ultimately combined with the Archdiocese of Bari in 1986, establishing the current Archdiocese of Bari-Bitonto, with Bitonto Cathedral functioning as a co-cathedral.
Architectural Features
Beneath the present structure lie the remnants of an earlier Palaeochristian church, predating the bishopric's establishment. The existing cathedral is a notable example of Romanesque architecture, dating from the late 11th and 12th centuries, and shows influences from the Basilica of San Nicola in Bari.
Its west front is divided into three sections, featuring three distinct portals. The central portal is adorned with intricate sculptures depicting plant motifs and scenes from the Old Testament. The facade also includes four mullioned windows and a rose window, flanked by sculptures of animals supported by small columns. The interior comprises a nave and two aisles, notable for its sculptural elements.
Notable Artworks
Among the cathedral's significant artworks is the marble ambo, a combined pulpit and lectern, meticulously crafted in 1229. This piece is celebrated as a masterpiece of medieval Apulian stonecarving. Additionally, within the crypt, a tile featuring a griffin has been preserved, serving as a tangible link to the predecessor church building.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the Bishopric of Bitonto?
The Bishopric of Bitonto is believed to have been founded in the 8th century, with Bitonto Cathedral serving as its seat. This bishopric was combined with the Diocese of Ruvo in 1818, later briefly revived, and finally merged into the Archdiocese of Bari-Bitonto in 1986.
What are the architectural features of Bitonto Cathedral?
The cathedral is a Romanesque building from the late 11th-12th centuries, influenced by the Basilica of San Nicola in Bari. Its west front is characterized by three portals, four mullioned windows, and a rose window. The interior includes a nave and two aisles.
What is the most significant artwork in Bitonto Cathedral?
The most significant artwork is the marble ambo, a combined pulpit and lectern, dating from 1229. It is considered a masterpiece of medieval Apulian stonecarving.
What is found in the crypt of Bitonto Cathedral?
In the crypt, a tile of a griffin has been discovered. This artifact is a survival from the earlier predecessor church building that once stood on the site.
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