Rossano Cathedral

Corigliano-Rossano, Italy

Rossano Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Rossano-Cariati. The cathedral was built in the 11th century, with substantial reconstruction in the 18th and 19th centuries. It has a central nave and two side-aisles, terminating in three apses. The bell tower and the baptismal font date from the 14th century, while the other artworks and furnishings are of the 17th and 18th centuries.

The cathedral houses an ancient image of the Madonna Acheropita, an image of the Madonna and Child supposedly discovered in the cathedral plaster and not painted by human hand, which is dated to somewhere between about 580 and the first half of the 8th century.

In the sacristy in 1879 was discovered the Codex Purpureus Rossanensis ('Rossano Gospels'), a Greek evangeliary of the 5th or 6th century of Middle Eastern origin (probably Antioch), which was probably brought to Rossano by a monk taking refuge from the Arab invasions of the Middle East during the 9th and 10th centuries.

The manuscript comprises 188 leaves of parchment dyed purple containing the Gospels of Matthew and Mark and the Epistula ad Carpianum (a letter from Eusebius of Caesarea to a Christian named Carpianus). Although it is mutilated and anonymous, the manuscript is perhaps the most representative testimony of the Byzantine connections of Rossano. The texts are in gold and silver ink, with 15 miniatures showing the most important moments in the life and preaching of Jesus.

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Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Religious sites in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Agostino Stasi (4 years ago)
Fantastic place to visit: the cathedral, the purple codex of the 6th century, the Byzantine churches. Sea place. Very beautifull
Agnese Roveda (5 years ago)
A place rich in history and culture, with a panoramic view of the Ionian coast, immersed in the hilly and mountainous landscapes of the Sila, among olive groves and orchards of clementines and oranges, prickly pears and licorice. Very welcoming people.
Vincenza Longo (5 years ago)
The Diocesan Museum of Rossano Calabro offers visitors the most unique and rare beauty of Codex but also much more. In addition to the Museum, the magnificence of the Cathedral and all the many beautiful churches cannot be ignored. And then the streets, some foreshortenings that seem the work of artists of great value. In the museum they work young preparations that accompany the groups and with gentle and polite professionalism they describe each work. Personally I have to say thanks to everyone with a little more affection for Daniela!
Francesca Lupo (6 years ago)
Ancient church with a centuries-old history, so ancient that its Byzantine origins are confused with legends. It is worth visiting to learn about the stories surrounding his birth ...
Oronzo Cosola (6 years ago)
Recently restored, it is a place that welcomes people looking for moments of recollection, reflection and prayer. Linked to the presence of the famous Codex Purpureos.
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