San Ciriaco Cathedral (Ancona)
Marche
San Ciriaco Cathedral, located on Guasco Hill overlooking Ancona and its gulf, is a remarkable example of Romanesque-Byzantine and Gothic architecture. Built on the site of an ancient Greek acropolis and a 4th-century BC temple dedicated to Aphrodite, the cathedral evolved over centuries from a 6th-century Christian basilica to its current Greek cross plan, typical of Byzantine style. The cathedral’s façade features a 13th-century Romanesque portal adorned with symbolic lions and intricate reliefs, while its dome, dating from the 13th century and attributed to Margaritone d'Arezzo, is among Italy's oldest church domes. Inside, visitors find a Greek cross layout with three naves divided by antique Roman columns topped with Byzantine capitals, a dome decorated with Byzantine-style praying angels, and wooden vaulted ceilings from the 15th century. The cathedral holds significant religious artworks, including a revered 17th-century painting of the Virgin Mary housed in a monumental pulpit designed by Luigi Vanvitelli. Despite damage from World War bombings, the cathedral has been carefully restored, preserving its austere medieval appearance and artistic treasures. It remains a vital religious and cultural landmark, reflecting Ancona's layered history and architectural heritage.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to explore the cathedral during weekdays to avoid crowds and to appreciate its serene atmosphere. Pre-booking tickets is recommended during special exhibitions or religious events, especially around the millennium celebrations. Discounts may be available for students and groups. The cathedral's hilltop location offers panoramic views of Ancona and the gulf, so bring comfortable shoes for the ascent.
Interesting facts
- •The cathedral is built on the site of a 4th-century BC Greek temple dedicated to Aphrodite, reflecting Ancona's ancient Greek origins.
- •Its dome, attributed to Margaritone d'Arezzo (circa 1270), is one of the oldest church domes in Italy and features a rare ogival shape with a dodecagonal drum.
- •The Romanesque portal features symbolic lions, one fighting a basilisk and another holding a ram, which have become iconic symbols of Ancona.
- •The cathedral's plan is a Greek cross, an architectural style more typical of Byzantine churches, unusual in Western Europe.
- •Luigi Vanvitelli, a renowned 18th-century architect, designed the monumental pulpit housing a 17th-century painting of the Virgin Mary, a focus of popular devotion.
- •The cathedral was heavily damaged during World War II bombings but was meticulously restored to preserve its medieval character.
History
The site of San Ciriaco Cathedral has been sacred since at least the 4th century BC, originally hosting a Greek temple dedicated to Aphrodite.
In the 6th century AD, a Christian basilica was erected on the remains of the temple.
Between the 10th and 11th centuries, the basilica was enlarged and became a cathedral.
The 12th and 13th centuries saw significant expansions, including the adoption of a Greek cross plan and construction of the dome and main portal.
The 18th century brought artistic additions like Luigi Vanvitelli's pulpit.
In the late 19th century, Giuseppe Sacconi restored the cathedral to its medieval austerity.
The building suffered damage in both World Wars but was restored each time.
In 1926, it was elevated to basilica status, and it was declared a national monument in 1940.
Place Guide
Romanesque Portal and Protiro13th century
The main entrance features a 13th-century Romanesque-Gothic portal with a round arch supported by four columns resting on symbolic lions carved from Veronese red marble. The portal is richly decorated with reliefs of saints, animals, and vegetal motifs, showcasing medieval craftsmanship.
The Domecirca 1270
Constructed in the 13th century and attributed to Margaritone d'Arezzo, the cathedral's dome is notable for its ogival shape and dodecagonal drum resting on a square base with decorative arches. It is one of the oldest church domes in Italy and was covered with copper in the 16th century.
Interior Greek Cross Plan and Byzantine Capitals12th-15th centuries
The cathedral's interior is laid out in a Greek cross plan, with three naves divided by re-used Roman columns topped with Byzantine capitals. The wooden hull-shaped vaults date from the 15th century, and the crossing is supported by cruciform piers.
Monumental Pulpit by Luigi Vanvitelli1739
In the left transept, a monumental pulpit designed by Luigi Vanvitelli in 1739 houses a 17th-century painting of the Virgin Mary, which is an object of intense popular devotion and religious significance.
Contact
Phone: 071 52688
