Cathedral of Nocera Inferiore

The Cathedral of Nocera Inferiore, locally known as Cattedrale di Nocera Inferiore, stands as a magnificent testament to centuries of faith, history, and architectural evolution in the heart of Nocera Inferiore, Italy. This stunning cathedral, dedicated to San Prisco, the first bishop of Nocera, offers a fascinating journey through time, from its early origins to its present-day grandeur.

The Historical Tapestry of the Cathedral

The roots of the Cathedral of Nocera Inferiore run deep, tracing back to the 10th century when a Benedictine abbey was established on the site of an earlier church dedicated to San Filippo. This ancient church, in turn, had been built on the ruins of a 4th-century church near the necropolis of the ancient city of Nuceria Alfaterna. The earliest recorded mention of an ecclesiastical settlement here dates back to 955.

In 1145, the monastery of San Prisco was documented in a list of properties compiled by the Archbishop of Salerno, Guglielmo. Despite its adherence to Benedictine rules, the monastery never officially joined the Cassinese or Verginian congregations. The 13th century saw significant growth for the church, but the monastery was eventually suppressed in the latter half of the 14th century, likely due to a dwindling number of monks. The last known abbot was Filippo Catalani, appointed by Pope Urban V in 1365.

Elevation to Cathedral Status

On October 10, 1384, Pope Urban VI reestablished the bishopric of Nocera, choosing the ancient church dedicated to San Prisco as the site for the new cathedral. It is believed that the archbishops of Salerno used the abbey's facilities during their stays in Nocera, making it a suitable choice for the cathedral. Another theory suggests that the church had already served as a cathedral before 1384, as indicated by a report from Theodorico di Niem, the pope's secretary.

The current cathedral dates back to the early 17th century, when it was rebuilt under the direction of Bishop Simone Lunadoro of Siena, following the design of the Siena Cathedral with its three naves. Further modifications were made in 1724, and the cathedral was consecrated on November 19 of that year. In 1764, Bishop Gherardo Volpe initiated a comprehensive renovation, entrusting the project to master builders Andrea and Onofrio Salvo and architect Pietro Cimafonte.

Artistic Treasures Within

The interior of the Cathedral of Nocera Inferiore is a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces. One of the highlights is Angelo Solimena's 1671 fresco, The Glory of Paradise, which adorns the dome. This fresco depicts a celestial dance of angels, saints, and apostles, with a play of light and shadow that creates a mesmerizing effect. It is believed that Solimena included a self-portrait among the figures.

The Baroque chapel of the Rosary is another gem, featuring the Madonna of the Rosary with St. Dominic and St. Catherine by Belgian artist Aert Mytens, also known as Rinaldo Fiammingo. This 16th-century work graces the main altar of the chapel, with the upper section depicting the fifteen mysteries and the lower section showing the Madonna of the Rosary enthroned between St. Dominic and St. Catherine of Siena, surrounded by saints, angels, and religious figures.

Other notable works include paintings by Angelo Solimena, such as the depictions of St. Jerome, St. Ambrose, and St. Augustine in the vault of the Rosary chapel. Additionally, a painting by Stefano de' Liguori portrays St. Dominic, while a 1712 canvas by Francesco Solimena features St. Mark writing the Gospel, surrounded by angels and a lion.

The chapel of San Prisco houses an 18th-century oil painting of the first bishop of Nocera, with San Prisco depicted with a mitre and eyes turned towards the heavens. The cathedral also boasts numerous statues of saints, including St. Joseph, St. Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori, St. Louis Gonzaga, and the Madonna of Montevergine.

The Towering Campanile

The original bell tower, built by Bishop Giuliano de Angrisanis in 1433, was severely damaged by earthquakes in 1688 and 1694. The latter quake was so destructive that it toppled the top two floors of the tower. Efforts to stabilize the structure included the use of chains and new masonry, but the leaning tower ultimately necessitated intervention on the cathedral's facade.

In the 18th century, Bishop Niccolò de Dominicis decided to rebuild the campanile at its current location, with financial support from the Confraternity of the Rosary. The new bell tower, designed by Francesco Solimena, was constructed between 1730 and 1731, showcasing Solimena's architectural prowess, also evident in his works in Naples.

Visiting the Cathedral of Nocera Inferiore is a journey through layers of history, art, and devotion. Its walls and artworks tell stories of faith and resilience, making it a must-see destination for anyone exploring the rich cultural heritage of Nocera Inferiore.