Savona Cathedral

Located in the heart of the historic city center of Savona, the Savona Cathedral, known locally as Cattedrale di Nostra Signora Assunta, stands as a beacon of religious and architectural splendor. This magnificent cathedral, with its rich history and stunning design, is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Ligurian region of Italy.

The History of Savona Cathedral

The origins of Savona Cathedral trace back to the 9th century when an ancient cathedral stood on the hill of Priamar. However, the course of history took a dramatic turn in 1528 when Savona fell to the Genoese forces. The invaders systematically demolished the old cathedral along with other historic buildings to make way for an imposing fortress. By 1595, the ancient cathedral was completely destroyed.

In response to this loss, Pope Paul IV elevated the nearby Church of San Francesco to the status of a cathedral in 1559. The construction of the present Savona Cathedral began in 1584, and it was completed in 1605, initially dedicated to San Francesco. It wasn't until later that it was rededicated to Nostra Signora Assunta. In June 1816, it was elevated to the rank of a minor basilica.

Architectural Marvels

The Savona Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece measuring 61 meters in length and 39 meters in width. It is designed in the shape of a Latin cross and divided into three naves. The central nave and transept feature barrel vaults, while the side naves boast cross vaults. A dome with a windowed drum crowns the crossing, adding to the cathedral's grandeur. The bell tower, located on the right side, was completed in 1929, adding a final touch to the cathedral's impressive silhouette.

The Neo-Baroque Facade

The facade of Savona Cathedral is a striking example of Neo-Baroque architecture. Designed by Guglielmo Calderini between 1881 and 1886, it features three vertical sections, each with its own portal, and three horizontal registers. The outer portal, dating back to 1776, was incorporated into the facade over a century later. The facade is adorned with a group of sculptures depicting the Assumption of Mary by the abbot Giovanni Antonio Cybei.

Interior Highlights

As you step inside, the interior of Savona Cathedral greets you with a sense of awe and reverence. The counter-facade features a stunning fresco of Jesus expelling the merchants from the temple, painted by Francesco Coghetti. Coghetti's artistry is also evident in the frescoes on the vault, the presbytery, and the dome.

On the left side of the counter-facade, you'll find a marble crucifix of uncertain authorship, possibly by Giacomo Molinari, and a baptismal font carved around the 12th century from a 6th-century Byzantine capital. Opposite the crucifix stands an impressive Renaissance holy water font, a gift from Pope Julius II to the previous Franciscan church.

Art and Relics

The cathedral's central nave, presbytery, and transept feature barrel vaults adorned with frescoes depicting the Stories of the Virgin by Coghetti. The dome's pendentives showcase four prophets, while the dome itself is adorned with various angels, all works by Coghetti.

The high altar, dating from 1765, is surmounted by an octagonal ciborium crafted by Orazio Grassi in the early 17th century. The walls are adorned with large paintings by Coghetti, including depictions of Pope Julius II initiating the construction of St. Peter's Basilica and Pope Sixtus IV blessing the fleet against the Turks. The apse basin features a painting of the Assumption of the Virgin, also by Coghetti.

One of the most remarkable features of the cathedral is the intricately carved wooden choir, created between 1500 and 1521 at the behest of Pope Julius II. The pulpit, which dates back to the early 16th century, was salvaged from the old cathedral and has a hexagonal shape.

Side Chapels

The right side nave houses several chapels, each with its own unique artwork and history. The first chapel features the Apparition of the Virgin to Savona by Ratti, while the second chapel is dedicated to the Sacred Heart by Paolo Gerolamo Brusco. The third chapel contains works by Giovanni Baglione and Giovanni Lanfranco, including the Madonna and Child with Angels and Abraham with Angels.

In the fourth chapel, you'll find the monument to Bishop Righetti by Renata Cuneo. The chapel in the transept is dominated by a 17th-century altar dedicated to the deceased, while the chapel to the right of the presbytery houses a 16th-century altarpiece and several funerary monuments of prelates.

The left side nave also features several chapels, each with its own unique artwork. The first chapel contains a 17th-century altarpiece depicting St. Francis of Paola and frescoes by Brusco. The second chapel houses an altarpiece of the Adoration of the Magi by Bernardo Castello, and the third chapel features the Martyrdom of Saint Ursula by Giovanni Battista Paggi.

The fourth chapel is particularly noteworthy for its medieval fresco of the Madonna della Colonna, which miraculously detached from a column of the old Church of San Francesco during its demolition in 1601. The fifth chapel in the transept is dedicated to the Madonna of Mercy and features a baroque altar from 1663 and a statue of Our Lady of Mercy with Antonio Botta, created by Stefano Sormano in 1625.

Lastly, the chapel to the left of the presbytery is dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and contains the urn with the skeleton of Blessed Ottaviano, Bishop of Savona from 1123 to 1133, who saved the population from the plague and predicted the apparition of Mary.

The Organ

In the choir loft of the apse, behind the high altar and above the wooden choir stalls, stands the Mascioni organ opus 476, built in 1935. This magnificent instrument, housed within the casing of the previous 18th-century organ, features electric transmission, three keyboards with 61 notes each, and a concave-radial pedalboard with 32 notes.

In conclusion, Savona Cathedral is a treasure trove of art, history, and spirituality. Its stunning architecture, rich history, and exquisite artworks make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Savona. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or simply seeking a moment of tranquility, the Savona Cathedral offers something for everyone.