Imola cathedral

Imola Cathedral, locally known as Chiesa cattedrale di San Cassiano, stands as the principal place of worship in Imola, Italy, and serves as the episcopal seat of the Imola Diocese. This grand edifice, with its rich history dating back to the 12th century, is not just a spiritual center but also a beacon of architectural splendor and historical significance.

The Origins and Early History

The origins of Imola Cathedral can be traced back to the 12th century when the original cathedral of the Imola Diocese was located in Castrum Sancti Cassiani, a settlement west of the city. However, in February 1177, Imola attacked and razed Castrum Sancti Cassiani to the ground. Ten years later, Bishop Enrico reached an agreement with the Municipality of Imola to construct a new cathedral within the city walls. This new cathedral was consecrated on October 24, 1271, marking the beginning of its long and storied history.

Reconstruction in the 18th and 19th Centuries

By the 18th century, the cathedral had undergone various modifications but faced severe structural issues. In 1763, it was decided to completely renovate and restructure the building. The task was entrusted to Cosimo Morelli, the most prominent architect in Romagna at the time, who was also involved in the urban transformation of the entire city. The renovation was carried out in two phases: between 1765-69, the choir, presbytery with the dome, and crypt were rebuilt, and between 1775-81, the remaining parts of the church were completed. The renewed sacred building was consecrated on May 28, 1782, by Pope Pius VI. The facade, designed by the Roman architect Filippo Antolini, was completed in 1850.

Restoration and Modern Enhancements

In the late 19th century, in preparation for the Jubilee of 1900, extensive restoration work was undertaken both inside and outside the cathedral. The marble flooring was entirely redone, and interventions were made on the bell tower. A new cobblestone pavement was created around the cathedral perimeter, featuring geometric motifs with different colored pebbles, and special paths were paved in trachyte to highlight the various entrances to the cathedral. A large cameo with the inscription ANNO SACRO MCM was placed in front of the main entrance to commemorate the Jubilee. The cathedral was solemnly reopened on August 12, 1901, on the eve of Saint Cassian's feast day.

In the post-World War II era, the area surrounding the cathedral was converted into a parking lot. However, in 2010, Bishop Tommaso Ghirelli decided to restore the area to its original use, necessitating the restoration of the severely degraded cobblestone pavement. The work, directed by engineer Paolo Palladini, was completed in 2011, just in time for the celebration of Saint Cassian's feast.

The Interior Splendor

The interior of Imola Cathedral is divided into three naves, with the central nave being particularly spacious and flanked by deep side chapels. The focal point of the building is the grand and composed scenography of the presbytery. Symmetrical staircases ascend from the side naves, while a central, wider staircase leads to the crypt. In the first chapel on the left, one can find one of the few remnants of the medieval cathedral: the baptismal font from the early 16th century, possibly crafted by Tuscan artisans. Commissioned by Bishop Simone Bonadies (1488-1511), the font bears his coat of arms on two of its eight sides and features notable reliefs depicting Saint John the Baptist and a holy bishop, possibly Saint Cassian.

The second chapel houses an altarpiece depicting Saints Peter and Paul, dating back to the 19th century and created by the Camuccino workshop, possibly by the master himself. The next chapel features a devotional fresco known as the Madonna delle Laudi, dating back to the early 15th century and set within a larger, later canvas with adoring angels. The last chapel on the left displays a painting of the Assumption attributed to Jacopo Bertucci.

On the right side, the first chapel's altarpiece depicts the Supper at Emmaus, a work by the Imolese artist Ignazio Zotti, dated 1850. The second chapel houses a prized wooden crucifix of Jesus, likely from the late 15th century, painted by Marco Cattani in 1524. The right wall features a canvas, the Exaltation of the Cross, painted in 1783 by Angelo Gottarelli. The third chapel contains a painting by the Forlivese artist Giacomo Zampa, representing the Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist.

Ascending the staircases leading to the presbytery, one can observe the tomb monuments of Lippo and Francesco Alidosi embedded in the walls. The magnificent candlesticks on the main altar, donated by Pope Pius IX, a former Bishop of Imola, are of particular interest. Behind the main altar, above the monumental wooden choir stalls, stands a large canvas by Pietro Tedeschi, depicting the Martyrdom of Saint Cassian.

To the right, in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, a beautiful statue by Filippo Scandellari from the 18th century is venerated, depicting the Immaculate Conception and originating from the former Church of Saint Francis. In the Chapel of Relics, to the left of the main altar, another painting by Gottarelli depicts Saints Apollinaris, Cosmas, Charles Borromeo, Terenzio, and Donato of Imola.

During the Jubilee of the Holy Year 2000, a generous anonymous benefactor funded the creation of ten marble statues that filled the niches left empty since the consecration by Pope Pius IV in 1782. In the crypt, three marble urns adorned with putti and friezes, crafted between 1698-1704 by the Bolognese artist Giuseppe Maria Mazza, a prominent figure of Baroque art, contain the remains of four Imolese saints: Cassian, Peter Chrysologus, Proietto, and Maurelius. Beneath the floor, in front of the altar, lie the bishops of the diocese, and in a niche, the remains of Girolamo Riario, the first husband of Caterina Sforza, who was killed in Forlì in 1488, are kept.

Imola Cathedral is not just a place of worship; it is a testament to the city's rich history and architectural evolution. From its medieval origins to its Baroque splendor, this cathedral encapsulates the spirit and resilience of Imola, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring this charming Italian city.