Sessa Aurunca Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul is the main Catholic place of worship in Sessa Aurunca. It belongs to the Diocese of Sessa Aurunca and is recognized as a national monument of Italy.

History

Built in 1113, the cathedral was partially constructed using spolia from ancient Roman-era buildings and was consecrated in 1183. Its current exterior appearance was achieved in the early 13th century, when a portico and a large window at the top of the façade were added.

The structure remained Romanesque until the mid-18th century, when Bishop Francesco Caracciolo d'Altamura commissioned renovations in line with the Baroque style, reflecting the artistic trends of the time.

Architecture

The façade features a large portico covering most of its view. Above, a tympanum with hanging arches houses a marble oculus. Below, a window framed by an edicule with columns resting on lions and topped with oxen encloses a bas-relief of the Agnus Dei.

The portico has three arches with sculpted decorations. The central pointed arch features marble reliefs depicting Saint Peter’s life, while the right arch holds Genesis scenes. Three portals open within the portico; the central tympanum displays Christ between Saints Peter and Paul, framed by Old Testament reliefs. Two sculptures—a lioness and a lion—once supported columns beside the entrance.

The cathedral’s walls are built from large limestone blocks, likely repurposed from the Roman forum of Suessa.

Interior

The three-aisled interior is divided by 18 Roman and medieval columns with Corinthian capitals. Original features include the cosmatesque floor, pulpit (ambone), and Paschal candle stand. The organ, supported by ancient columns, sits above the entrance.

The pulpit, dating between 1224–1259, is the cathedral’s finest artwork. Six granite columns rest on lion sculptures, supporting a structure adorned with mosaics, symbolic carvings, and human figures, including prophets and a man grasped by an eagle. Two female caryatids flank the central arch.

The Paschal candle stand features a twisted column interrupted by three bas-relief bands: one depicting celebrating figures, another showing a bishop blessing a deacon, and the top portraying Jesus, Peter, Paul, and Saint Casto.

Sculptor Pellegrino (Peregrinus) contributed to the cathedral, blending Romanesque elements with early Gothic realism, as seen in the pulpit, Paschal candle stand, and Jonah cycle reliefs.

The Baroque Chapel of the Holy Sacrament houses 'Communion of the Apostles', an early painting by Luca Giordano.

Beneath the presbytery, the crypt is supported by 20 repurposed columns and features a mosaic floor.

Address

Piazza Duomo 12, Sessa Aurunca, Italy

Details

Founded: 1113-1183
Category: Religious sites in Italy