Potenza Cathedral

Potenza, Italy

The Cathedral of San Gerardo is the main church or duomo of the city of Potenza. A temple at the site, dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption, likely dated to the 5th or 6th century, when it was supposedly founded by Saint Orontius of Lecce. A new church dedicated to St Gerardo della Porta, who became patron of the town and whose relics are sheltered here, was built between the 12th and 13th centuries, under the patronage of the bishop Bartolomeo (1197-1206). The five-story stone belltower from this church, attributed to designs by Sàrolo di Muro Lucano, still exists.

The present church is mainly due to a reconstruction during 1783 to 1799 in neoclassical-style with a design by Antonio Magri, a pupil of Luigi Vanvitelli. Since the church has required repairs after various earthquakes and a bombardment in 1943.

The ceilings and the apse have an elaborate program of frescoes painted in the 20th century. The ceiling was painted (1933-1934) from the façade to the presbytery with scenes from the old to new testament by the painter Mario Prayer. The bronze doors (1968) were created by Giuseppe Niglia. Below the main altar is a crypt with archeologic evidence of prior structures in a mosaic pavement. The dome has frescoes depicting a procession of St Gerard. The apse has a Christ the Redeemer frescoed against a bright background. The chapel of St Gerard has a 15th-century reliquary statue.

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Address

Largo Duomo 1, Potenza, Italy
See all sites in Potenza

Details

Founded: 1783-1799
Category: Religious sites in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Giuseppe gattano (2 months ago)
Beautiful cathedral, place of worship for many local faithful but also visited by many tourists attracted by the beauty and antiquity of the moment with beautiful frescoes and marbles of various colors. I recommend visiting if you pass through Potenza, free entry
nicola zossolo (12 months ago)
What a beautiful Church! When you enter there is immediately a beautiful atmosphere of religious tranquility. Statues, frescoes and dome... all beautiful. The statue of Piety is particular... very expressive. Also beautiful is the statue of San Gerardo Vescovo, patron saint of the city of Potenza. As well as holder of the dedication of the CATHEDRAL. The painting behind the main altar is very impressive. A visit is recommended if you are in Potenza.
Marianna Consiglio (20 months ago)
We arrived in front of the cathedral from a very particular alley. I think it's very impressive and the fountain with handy drinking tap is always handy.
Dariø Møl (2 years ago)
The cathedral of San Gerardo certainly represents one of the symbols of the city of Potenza Located almost at the end of the historic center and not far from the small temple of San Gerardo (located in piazza sede) as well as being a place of prayer, it reflects all the typical canons of cathedrals and certainly has nothing to envy to other churches in Italy. The structure is very beautiful, outside in the square there is also a fountain (it certainly needs maintenance) Internally the church has large arches typical of cathedrals and various chapels. Obviously, there is also the statue of San Gerardo among the various patron saints of the city An almost fundamental stage every time I go up to via Pretoria
Thais Picasso (3 years ago)
The main Cathedral of the city of Potenza is dedicated to the patron saint of the city - San Geraldo. Built on an ancient Roman settlement, it covers with inscriptions dating back to 1DC. It mixes elements of the Romanesque, Baroque and Neoclassical styles and is very beautiful, especially inside. It is very worth the visit.
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