Co-Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption and Saint Catellus of Castellamare

The Co-Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption and Saint Catellus of Castellamare, known locally as Concattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta, stands as the principal church in Castellammare di Stabia, Italy. This magnificent edifice is not only a testament to religious devotion but also a remarkable piece of architectural and historical significance, drawing visitors from all over the world.

A Journey Through Time

The history of the Co-Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption and Saint Catellus of Castellamare is a fascinating tale of resilience and faith. The original cathedral was situated near the hill of Varano, later moved close to the castle, and finally relocated to the present Piazza Quartuccio. The devastating earthquake of 1436 inflicted severe damage on the old structure, prompting the decision to construct a new cathedral.

On September 17, 1517, a committee of citizens entrusted architect Giovanni Donadio with the task of designing the new church. However, this initial project never came to fruition. Another attempt in 1569 by Bishop Antonio Laureo also failed. It wasn’t until 1581, under Bishop Ludovico Maiorano, that the old cathedral was sold, the funds from which were invested in the construction of the new one. The city administration granted permission for the project in 1587, funding it through a tax on various food items. The construction began on November 22, 1587, under the guidance of architect Pietro Antonio De Sanctis and builders Santoro Cortolano and Paolo Fasano.

The Long Road to Completion

The construction of the Co-Cathedral was a slow and arduous process, often hindered by financial constraints. Partial opening for worship occurred in 1643, with several noble families of the city sponsoring chapels. However, significant elements like the organ, atrium, and major altar were added much later, with the organ being installed in 1668 and finalized in 1774, the atrium completed in 1713, and the major altar consecrated in 1760.

One notable challenge was the construction of the bell tower. After initial plans to renovate the existing one were met with opposition, a new bell tower was built in 1782, funded by a substantial sum of 7,323 ducats. Between 1875 and 1893, under Bishop Petagna, the church underwent significant modifications, including the addition of a Latin cross shape, a transept, and a presbytery. During the excavation for the chapel of Saint Catellus, remnants of an early Christian necropolis and Roman structures were discovered, adding another layer to the cathedral's rich history. The church was solemnly consecrated in 1893 by Bishop Sarnelli, over three centuries after construction began.

Architectural Marvel

The facade of the Co-Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption and Saint Catellus of Castellamare is a stunning display of marble decorations, featuring three arches supported by four pillars. The central arch, larger than the others, is adorned with the city's coat of arms and flanked by two columns. An elegant staircase made of Soccavo piperno leads to the entrance, which is marked by three bronze doors crafted by Florentine sculptor Antonio Berti in 1985. The central door is more elaborate, while the side doors are simpler in design.

The Splendor Within

The interior of the Co-Cathedral is equally impressive, designed in the shape of a Latin cross and divided into three naves. The central nave, with its white and gray marble flooring, is flanked by smaller lateral naves that house five chapels each. The ancient tomb of Stabian priests lies at the center of the main nave. The back wall features a funerary monument with a sculpture of Tommaso Angelo d'Arco's face and three marble plaques commemorating significant events, including a visit by Pope Pius IX in 1849.

An organ, dating back to 1774, sits on a raised platform supported by four columns, with paintings of Noah and Abraham on either side. The central nave is separated from the lateral naves by ten arches, each supported by piperno columns adorned with stuccoes, medallions, and gilding. The vaulted ceiling boasts three frescoes by Vincenzo Paliotti from 1893, depicting scenes from the life of Saint Catellus, surrounded by ten lunettes representing virtues such as faith, charity, and hope.

The Chapels

The left nave features five chapels, starting with the Baptistery Chapel, which houses a marble baptismal font and an unfinished painting of the handover of the keys to Saint Peter by Giuseppe Bonito. The Chapel of Lourdes, previously dedicated to Saint Gaetano, now honors the Blessed Virgin of Lourdes with a stucco and cork recreation of the Massabielle grotto. The Chapel of the Madonna del Carmine, originally dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, showcases a painting of the Virgin freeing souls from Purgatory by Angelo Mozzillo.

The Chapel of Saint Francis de Sales, once patronized by the Cotticelli family, contains a wooden statue of the saint and tempera paintings depicting moments from his life. Lastly, the Chapel of the Holy Crucifix features a 17th-century wooden crucifix, with statues of Saint Blaise and the Sorrowful Mother in side niches.

The right nave also hosts five chapels, including the Chapel of Saint Nicholas, established in 1268 by the De Rogatis family, with a central altar painting by Giovanbattista Spinelli.

The Co-Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption and Saint Catellus of Castellamare, with its rich history, architectural beauty, and spiritual significance, is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Castellammare di Stabia. Whether you are drawn by its religious importance, historical intrigue, or simply its stunning artistry, this co-cathedral offers a deeply enriching experience.