Vasto Cathedral

The Vasto Cathedral, known locally as the Duomo di Vasto, stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural splendor of Vasto, Italy. This magnificent structure, dedicated to St. Joseph, is not just a place of worship but a symbol of the town's enduring heritage and cultural significance.

The Historical Journey of Vasto Cathedral

The origins of Vasto Cathedral date back to the 13th century, when it was initially constructed as a conventual church dedicated to St. Augustine. Over the centuries, the cathedral underwent several transformations, reflecting the changing times and artistic influences. In the 17th century, it was rededicated to St. Augustine, and later, in 1808, it received its current dedication to St. Joseph. The cathedral was elevated to the status of a cathedral in 1853, and in 1986, it became a co-cathedral.

The medieval roots of the cathedral are still visible in its architectural elements. The original church, built in the style of the mendicant orders of the 13th and 14th centuries, featured a single nave with a trussed ceiling and a vaulted apse. Despite various reconstructions and expansions in the 19th and 20th centuries, remnants of the original structure, such as a single-light window with ashlar blocks on the north side, still remain.

The Facade: A Glimpse into the Past

The facade of Vasto Cathedral, dating back to the 13th century, is a striking example of Gothic architecture. The portal, with its deep recesses and semicircular arch, is adorned with a lunette that once held a painted image, now lost to time. To the left of the portal, a Latin inscription recounts the brief history of the medieval church of Santa Margherita, the original dedication of the site.

Above the portal, the rose window, a hallmark of Gothic design, captures the eye with its intricate floral patterns and dentilated frame. This rose window, restored in the 20th century, stands as a testament to the cathedral's resilience, having survived the ravages of time, weather, and historical upheavals.

The Bell Tower: A Medieval Marvel

The bell tower of Vasto Cathedral is an architectural marvel that blends medieval and later styles. The base of the tower, with its pointed arch and sloping walls, harks back to its medieval origins. The upper sections, reconstructed in the 18th century, feature pilasters and small capitals that add to its grandeur. The tower is crowned with a cornice and an iron-wrought belfry, a later addition that replaced the original spire, likely lost to a lightning strike or other calamity.

Interior Splendor: A Neo-Gothic Revival

Stepping inside Vasto Cathedral, visitors are greeted by a single nave with a transept, painted in a neo-medieval style. The walls, adorned with faux stone blocks, create an atmosphere of timeless elegance. The interior, originally Baroque, was reimagined in a neo-Gothic style in 1853, with geometric flat ceilings and a rib-vaulted transept.

The columns, painted green and topped with Corinthian capitals, support the arches that frame the nave. These arches house frescoes by Achille Carnevale, depicting scenes from the life of St. Joseph, adding a touch of artistic brilliance to the sacred space.

Artistic Treasures and Sacred Relics

One of the cathedral's most prized possessions is the Triptych of Cona a Mare, a masterpiece by Michele Greco da Valona from 1505. This triptych, originally housed in the now-lost church of Cona di Mare, features the Madonna and Child flanked by St. Catherine and St. Nicholas. The presbytery, renovated in 2009, now hosts a modern altar and ambo, blending contemporary design with historical reverence.

Behind the altar, an 18th-century statue of St. Joseph stands proudly, carried in procession every 25 years. Flanking the altar are two chapels: the right chapel dedicated to the Sacred Heart and the left to Our Lady of Lourdes, housing statues of St. Pius X and St. Liberata.

The Organ and Historical Statues

In the counter-facade, a grand organ installed in 2002 adds a majestic touch to the cathedral's musical heritage. Beside it, statues of St. Augustine and St. Monica, dating back to the 16th century, offer a glimpse into the cathedral's rich artistic legacy.

Vasto Cathedral, with its blend of historical significance, architectural beauty, and artistic treasures, is a must-visit for anyone exploring the charming town of Vasto. It stands not only as a place of worship but as a beacon of the town's enduring spirit and cultural heritage.