Cathedral Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption, known locally as Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, is a captivating gem nestled in the heart of Fano, Italy. This remarkable edifice stands as the mother church of the Diocese of Fano-Fossombrone-Cagli-Pergola and was elevated to the dignity of a minor basilica by Pope Pius XII in January 1953.

The Historical Tapestry of the Cathedral

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption boasts a rich and storied history that dates back to the 12th century. The current cathedral was constructed in the Romanesque style on the site of a previous church, which was tragically destroyed by a fire in 1124. The original church, known as Santa Maria la maggiore, was the principal church of Fano. A commemorative plaque within the cathedral, located beneath the organ, attests to the destruction of the old building and the subsequent construction of the new cathedral under the guidance of Bishop Rainaldo (1136-1159) and master builder Rainerio. It is believed that the new edifice was consecrated around 1140.

The initial structure featured three naves terminating in three apses, with a crypt beneath the presbytery. Over the centuries, the cathedral underwent several transformations. In the 16th century, the two lateral apses were converted into chapels, and the central apse was enlarged. During this period, the crypt was destroyed, and the presbytery area was lowered. The lateral chapels of the naves, originally eight in number and constructed in the 14th century, were reduced to six in the 20th century to accommodate two side entrances. The bell tower, a more recent addition, replaced the original one, which was demolished by the Germans during World War II. The current bell tower houses five bells, cast by De Poli of Vittorio Veneto in 1965, which were initially electrified and later modified to enhance the tower's stability.

Architectural Splendor

The facade of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture, meticulously preserved through restoration work carried out in the 1920s. The facade is divided into three sections with a gabled profile. The outer sections feature faux loggias, while the central section boasts a magnificent portal.

Upon entering the cathedral, visitors are greeted by a grand interior with three naves separated by sturdy pillars. The historic and artistic value of the cathedral is exemplified by the pulpit, which was reassembled in the early 20th century using various elements that had been either walled up for reuse or scattered throughout the episcopal residence. The pulpit comprises marble slabs with Romanesque-style reliefs depicting episodes from the life of Christ, with only the columns being modern additions.

The Chapels and Artistic Treasures

The cathedral houses six side chapels, three on each side. On the right nave, visitors first encounter the chapel dedicated to St. Paul, followed by the chapel containing the tombs of the diocesan bishops. The most opulent of these is the Nolfi Chapel, named after the noble Nolfi family of Fano, which was established in the early 17th century and adorned with exuberant Baroque decorations. This chapel is home to significant paintings by Domenichino, depicting episodes from the life of the Virgin Mary, and an altarpiece by Andrea Lilli, created around 1600, depicting the Assumption of the Virgin with Saints in glory.

On the left nave, visitors will find the chapels of the Crucifix, the Madonna Pellegrina, and the Baptistery, where Ippolito Aldobrandini, the future Pope Clement VIII (1592-1605), was baptized on March 4, 1536.

The Transcept and Presbytery

The transept houses two additional chapels: the Chapel of the Holy Protectors on the right, dedicated to two saintly bishops of Fano, Orso and Eusebio, depicted in a painting by Ludovico Carracci from 1613, and the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament on the left, in neoclassical style. This chapel underwent several interventions over the centuries due to a 1672 earthquake that caused part of the bell tower to collapse onto it and damage from German bombings during World War II.

The presbytery features the main altar, which rests on the sarcophagus of St. Fortunato. Behind the altar is an 18th-century wooden choir, and at the back, a painting by Sebastiano Ceccarini from 1750 depicts the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. Stained glass windows on either side portray the holy bishops and protectors of Fano: Paterniano, Eusebio, Orso, and Fortunato.

The Mascioni Organ

In the right transept, above a specially constructed choir loft, stands the Mascioni Opus 209 pipe organ, built in 1909. This instrument, which was first restored in 1978 and again in 2000, retains its original tonal characteristics and tubular pneumatic transmission. It features two keyboards with 58 notes each and a straight pedalboard with 30 notes.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption is not just a place of worship but a treasure trove of history, art, and architectural brilliance. Its walls echo the tales of centuries past, offering visitors a profound sense of connection to the rich cultural heritage of Fano. A visit to this splendid cathedral is an unforgettable journey through time, where every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered.