Cathedral of San Siro

The Cathedral of San Siro, locally known as Concattedrale di San Siro, stands as a majestic testament to the rich history and architectural splendor of Sanremo, Italy. Nestled in the heart of the old town, this ancient edifice, dating back to the 12th century, is one of the most significant examples of Romanesque architecture in the Ligurian region. Its storied past and magnificent structure make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the charming coastal city of Sanremo.

The History of the Cathedral of San Siro

The origins of the Cathedral of San Siro can be traced back to the early 9th century. According to tradition, the first Christian church on this site was established in 811, on the very ground where Bishop Siro of Genoa, who later became Saint Siro, used to celebrate Mass. It is also believed that Saint Romulus of Genoa was temporarily buried here. The structure as we see it today, however, was erected in the early 12th century by the skilled Comacini masters, blending Romanesque and Gothic styles. The first documented mention of the church dates to 1143, in records from the local council.

Throughout its history, the Cathedral of San Siro has witnessed numerous significant events. On June 6, 1297, the Archbishop of Genoa, Jacopo da Varagine, ceremoniously transferred the rights to the city to the Doria and De Mari families. These noble houses governed Sanremo until 1319. In 1530, the church was honored with the title of Insigne Collegiata. However, in 1544, the cathedral faced a grave threat when Turkish corsairs led by the infamous pirate Khayr al-Din Barbarossa attempted to loot it. Fortunately, all valuable items had been hidden within the church walls, and the raiders left empty-handed, though they did destroy the altar.

The cathedral underwent significant transformations in the 17th century, particularly between 1619 and 1668, when the original Romanesque structure was modified to reflect Baroque aesthetics. However, the church suffered extensive damage on September 30, 1745, during a bombardment by an English naval fleet under Admiral Rowley, resulting in the partial collapse of the roof and façade.

In 1753, the cathedral's bell, affectionately known as Bacì by the locals, tolled to rally the citizens of Sanremo in a revolt against the Republic of Genoa, which had succeeded the Doria family. The uprising was crushed, and as punishment, the Genoese commander Agostino Pinelli ordered the demolition of the bell tower. The bell was taken to Genoa as a war trophy and placed in the Palazzo Ducale. It was eventually returned in pieces in 1784. The bell tower was later reconstructed in the Baroque style.

In 1901, a major restoration project began to return the cathedral to its original Romanesque appearance. The extensive work, which involved removing Baroque additions both inside and outside the church, was completed in 1948. In 1947, the church was designated a minor basilica, and in 1975, it became a co-cathedral.

The Architectural Splendor

The Cathedral of San Siro is a striking example of Romanesque architecture, characterized by its robust structure and elegant simplicity. The façade, with its intricate rose window and detailed portal, invites visitors to step back in time. The two lateral doors, adorned with ancient bas-reliefs, are among the oldest parts of the church. One bas-relief depicts a donkey between two palm trees with a bishop's crozier in the background, while the other shows the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus flanked by Saints Siro and Romulus of Genoa.

Inside, the cathedral houses several notable works of art. The high altar features a remarkable crucifix and a statue of the Madonna del Rosario by the renowned sculptor Anton Maria Maragliano. The crucifix is described as life-sized, with a profound expression of divinity, love, and suffering. The Madonna del Rosario, dressed in noble attire and seated majestically on a cloud, holds the Child Jesus, who offers a bunch of grapes to a cherub.

The Black Crucifix

One of the most intriguing artifacts in the cathedral is the Black Crucifix, a piece from the 15th century by an unknown artist. This crucifix is associated with a miraculous event. On August 7, 1543, as the city prepared for a Saracen attack, the crucifix is said to have radiated light and smiled benignly at the city's podestà, Luca Spinola, during a propitiatory Mass. Inspired by this sign, Spinola led the local militia to victory against the invaders at the Battle of Parà. Some accounts even suggest that the crucifix was carried into battle as a standard.

A Living Monument

Today, the Cathedral of San Siro stands not only as a place of worship but also as a living monument to the resilience and faith of the people of Sanremo. Its walls echo with centuries of history, from early Christian times through medieval conflicts and Baroque transformations to modern restorations. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or a spiritual seeker, the Cathedral of San Siro offers a rich and inspiring experience that connects the past with the present in a profound way.