By: Ava DiPaolo, Andrea Hummel, and Evangelia Gavrilos
Found along the Corso Italia, the Cathedral of Sorrento is a must see, as it truly embodies both the beauty of baroque architecture and the history of Sorrento.
Built during the 11th century, the Sorrento Cathedral was consecrated by Cardinal Riccardo di Albano in 1113. It is dedicated to Saint Philip and James as well as the Virgin Mary Risen to Heaven, and is the archdioces of Sorrento-Castellamare di Stabia. The original location of the cathedral was outside the city walls near a cemetery, but moved inside during the 10-12th centuries on the site of an ancient temple to Jupiter.
The architectural style of the cathedral began as Romanesque, a style which combines aspects of ancient Roman and Byzantine architecture. It is characterized by semi-circle arches, fortified, large walls and pillars, while following a simple and symmetrical pattern. Archbishop Domizio Falangola and later, Cardinal Francesco Remolines oversaw expanding the cathedral in the 15th and 16th centuries. However, after the invasion of the Turks in the 16th century, the cathedral was completely rebuilt by Monsignor Giulio Pavesi. This was the second to last transformation for the cathedral, and the last in the Romanesque style. Today, only the entrance from the 14th century and the two rose marble columns, which are said to have originated from pagan temples, remain from the original designs.
In true baroque style, the cathedral features elaborate motifs, decorations, frescos, mosaics, and statues. It seems every inch of the church is decorated in ornate, intricate designs to honor the Virgin Mary, Saint Phillip and James, and the history of Sorrento.
There are 14 chapels in the cathedral, each dedicated to a Saint, sacrament, or religious figure. Starting from the right as you first enter the church and continuing all the way around to the other side of the entrance, these include the Baptistry Chapel, St. Carlo Chapel, St. Giuseppe Chapel, Holy bishops Chapel, Holy Heart Chapel, St. Michele Chapel, Holy Sacrament Chapel, Rosary Chapel, St. Antonino Chapel, St. Biagio Chapel, St. Giuseppe Moscati Chapel, Holy Heart of Mary Chapel, Holy Family Chapel, and Immaculate Conception Chapel.
For more information on the significance of St. Antonino in Sorrento as well as St. Giuseppe Moscati in the bay of Naples area, click here:
Click through the gallery to view some of the Cathedrals stunning chapels
Perhaps the most interesting of the Cathedral's designs can be found on the entrance doors. Featuring panels of wood brought to the church in 1989 and made by local inlayers that depict the religious history of Sorrento, it is a sight you cannot miss. Beginning from the arrival of Saint Peter in Sorrento in 43 A.D., to the arrival of the relics of Apostles Phillip and James in 1110, to the arrival of Pio IX in 1849, the doors are full of detail and history. The panels are displayed in a chronological order, so as to tell the full story of Sorrento as you enter the church.
What is especially interesting to note is that the stories depicted in these panels span over thousands of years of religious history. Therefore, the stories chosen were selected because they are greatly significant to the community of Sorrento.
The arrival of Saint Peter to Sorrento is depicted in this panel. This story marks the official beginning of Christianity in the city, thus making it an essential panel to feature. It is said that Saint Peter would stop to preach outside the Sorrento walls and that is exactly what is displayed here.
Another one of the panels depicts St. Antonino saving a boy from the body of a whale. This miracle is well known to Sorrentines and embodies the types of miracles performed by St. Antonino. The story of this miracle is quite significant, as St. Antonino is regarded as the protector of the city of Sorrento.
This panel features the protection of the five patron Saints of Sorrento: Saint Antonino, Saint Valerio, Saint Renato, Saint Bacolo, and Saint Attanasio. It is believed that these five Saints helped the Sorrentines defend themselves in a naval battle against the Saracens.
Depicted in this panel, is the invasion of the Turks. Ottoman admiral Pialì Pascià and his fleet attacked and invaded the Sorrentine Peninsula in 1558, resulting in a thousand deaths and the capture of at least 4,000 prisoners. This is an upsetting, yet important aspect of history to the Sorrentines. Pillaging of the city, burning buildings, and violence against women can be seen in this panel. Although a striking image to view in a church, its presence indicates the significance of this moment in history to the community of Sorrento.
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