The Reggio Calabria Cathedral, known locally as Duomo di Reggio Calabria, stands proudly as the largest religious edifice in Calabria and serves as the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Reggio Calabria-Bova. This magnificent structure, dedicated to Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo (Our Lady of the Assumption), is a beacon of history, culture, and architectural splendor in the heart of Reggio Calabria.
The origins of the Reggio Calabria Cathedral trace back to the early second millennium. With the Norman invasion of Southern Italy in 1061, Reggio underwent a significant transformation. The Normans, led by Robert Guiscard, ousted the Byzantines and initiated the construction of a new cathedral that aligned with the Latin rite under the Roman Pope, diverging from the Greek-Byzantine traditions that previously dominated the region.
The initial structure was likely a Gothic edifice with five naves, drawing comparisons to the Cathedral of Cefalù in terms of form, layout, and dimensions. Historical records from 1453 and 1477 indicate that Archbishop Antonio De Ricci added a bell tower to the cathedral, marking a significant architectural enhancement.
Throughout the 16th century, the cathedral faced numerous challenges, including being sacked and set ablaze twice by Turkish incursions. Following the devastating fire of 1574, Archbishop Gaspare Ricciullo del Fosso spearheaded the reconstruction, culminating in the church's reconsecration in 1580. Another fire in 1594 prompted further restorations by successive archbishops, with notable contributions from Annibale D'Afflitto in 1599 and Gaspare Creales in 1665. By 1682, Archbishop Ybañez completed the renovations, commemorating the church's privileges with a grand memorial plaque.
In 1741, Monsignor Polou initiated the construction of a new cathedral in late Baroque style, influenced by the emerging Neoclassical trends of the neighboring Sicilian Baroque. This new structure boasted a Latin cross layout with three naves and was situated near the current Via Castello, extending towards Corso Garibaldi.
The cathedral suffered significant damage from the 1783 earthquake, prompting engineer Giovan Battista Mori to oversee additional restorations. The church was reconsecrated by Monsignor Capobianco and further beautified by Monsignor Converti, showcasing nearly three centuries of architectural evolution.
The catastrophic earthquake of 1908 necessitated a complete reconstruction of the cathedral. In 1913, Archbishop Rinaldo Rousset commissioned Carmelite Father Carmelo Umberto Angiolini to design a new structure, incorporating modern materials and seismic-resistant techniques. Angiolini's neo-Romanesque design, later modified by engineer Mariano Francescone, was completed by the Chini company in 1928, just in time for the Calabrian Eucharistic Congress. The cathedral was reconsecrated on September 2, 1928, by Archbishop Carmelo Pujia.
On June 21, 1978, a papal bull elevated the Reggio Calabria Cathedral to the dignity of a minor basilica, further cementing its significance in the religious and cultural landscape of Calabria.
The Reggio Calabria Cathedral showcases an eclectic-Liberty architectural style, blending medieval Romanesque and Gothic elements with elegant finesse. The main facade is divided into three sections, featuring four octagonal towers topped with crosses. The central section boasts a triforium surmounted by a rose window, all framed by a floral motif cornice.
The grand staircase leading to the imposing facade is flanked by statues of St. Paul, who is said to have converted the people of Reggio to Christianity, and St. Stephen of Nicea, the city's first bishop. Sculpted by Francesco Jerace in 1928 and installed in 1934, these statues add to the cathedral's majestic presence. Jerace also crafted the monumental pulpit inside the cathedral.
At the entrance, three bronze portals welcome visitors:
Adjacent to the central portal, plaques commemorate Pope John Paul II's visits to Reggio Calabria in 1984 and 1988, marking significant moments in the cathedral's recent history.
The cathedral's bell tower, standing at 28.15 meters (43.67 meters above sea level), was completed on September 30, 1931. It replaced the previous tower destroyed in the 1908 earthquake. The tower houses two bell chambers: the lower chamber contains the Campana della Conciliazione, while the upper chamber holds the Campana del Congresso (also known as the Campana della Consolazione) and the Campana del Capitolo (the largest bell, known as the Campanone).
The cathedral's interior is a harmonious blend of Romanesque style with classical inspirations. The basilica's layout features three naves separated by marble-clad columns with Trani stone bases. The exposed trusses supporting the roof are adorned with swastikas, symbolizing the sun and the advent of Christ, according to the prophecy in the Canticle of Zechariah (Luke 1:78-79).
The central nave, flanked by two rows of columns, leads to a polygonal apse, creating a grandiose space measuring 93 meters in length and 26 meters in width, making it the largest building in the region. The side naves house eight chapels containing significant historical and artistic works.
The right nave features the tombs of 17th-century bishops and more recent burials, including those of 20th-century bishops Aurelio Sorrentino and Giovanni Ferro. The latter's tomb, crafted by Michele Di Raco, is located in the second chapel on the right. At the end of the right nave, beneath a 19th-century painting by Minaldi depicting the consecration of St. Stephen by St. Paul, lies a glass-encased burnt column, believed to be the site of St. Paul's miracle.
The central apse houses a Romanesque-style altar by 20th-century sculptor Concesso Barca and an episcopal chair by 19th-century artist Alessandro Monteleone. The main altar, adorned with a bronze bas-relief by Antonio Berti, stands as the focal point of the basilica.
With its rich history, architectural beauty, and artistic treasures, the Reggio Calabria Cathedral is not just a place of worship but a testament to the resilience and cultural heritage of Reggio Calabria. A visit to this stunning cathedral offers a journey through centuries of history, faith, and artistry, making it an unmissable destination for anyone exploring the heart of Calabria.
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