Capua Cathedral, Capua, Italy

The construction of the first church on the site of Capua Cathedral is traditionally attributed to Landulfo, Bishop of Capua, in 856, using spolia columns from the local amphitheatre or other churches, but it was rebuilt in the 10th century and again, under Archbishop Erveo, towards the end of the 11th century, with subsequent major works. The bell-tower has Lombard and Norman influences.

The entire church was destroyed by bombardment on 9 September 1943. It was rebuilt between 1949 and 1957. The Diocesan Museum was installed in a chapel here in 1992.

Works of art

Among the paintings in the church are works by Domenico Vaccaro. Some of the frescoes recall past works including the frescoes in the presbytery depicting Eucharistic scenes (1961). The main altarpiece is of the Assumption of the Virgin by Francesco Solimena. In the nave are the columns by Archbishop Erveo (1073-1088) and a font from archbishop Cesare Costa (1572-1602). The crypt has a painting depicting a Dead Christ by Matteo Bottiglieri, an Addolorata by the school of Canova, and a Roman sarcophagus.

References:

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User Reviews

Eric 007 (2 years ago)
This beautiful church has a history of supporting polish community from refugee camp in 1985-1995. Thank you !

Liliana Coppola (3 years ago)
A beautiful basilica in Capua. The crypt is beautiful with the statue of the deposed Christ which probably inspired Sammartino's Veiled Christ in the Sansevero Chapel in Naples

Michael Pilgrom (5 years ago)
It was nice but I've seen better at home. Totally worth the visit.

Roberta Pepe (7 years ago)
Church with ancient origins as evidenced by the materials from the Roman era. It has been extensively remodeled in the modern era. The Christ preserved in the crypt is beautiful.

paolo francesco piva (8 years ago)
Built around the middle of the seventh century, the Cathedral of Maria SS. Assunta in Cielo (Capua cathedral) underwent various renovations until the addition of the portico around the end of the 11th century. The entire complex was rebuilt in the 1950s to repair the extensive damage caused by the bombings of World War II. since the 90s it has hosted the Diocesan Museum. what remains of the old cathedral are the bell tower and the atrium. it came in medieval times, the columns come from Roman buildings, as do some bas-reliefs. It is worth a visit, deviating from the much more important Capua Vetere, i.e. ancient Capua.

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Capua Cathedral

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