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Bolzano Cathedral: An important church from the past
Bolzano Cathedral, or the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, is the main place of worship in Bolzano and co-cathedral of the diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone. This building has an important past: in fact, during the restoration work in 1948, the foundations of three different churches were discovered, dating from the 4th century to the 12th century. In this summary, we will discover the history of these three churches and their artistic treasures.
The Paleochristian Basilica: 4th century
The oldest church refers to the 4th century and was probably dedicated to Saint Vigilius. The building had a rectangular plan and was probably influenced by the eastern construction typology spread in the Noricum area and the Aquileia area. This mostly stone-built church was 38 meters long and 14 meters wide, divided into three areas by dividing walls. The basilica had a peculiarity: in the western part, there was an atrium where a baptismal font was possibly located, and it had a presbyteral seat placed in the area of the altar where the priests could sit. Near the basilica, a burial site was discovered, as testified by the "Secundus Regontius" tombstone dating back to the 3rd century AD, the first inhabitant of Bolzano whose name is known.
The Early Medieval Church: 8th century
The early medieval church dates back to the Carolingian period, most likely when the new Bolzano population settled permanently in the basin, constituting a small pre-urban village around the bridge over the Isarco river. In this period, five fragments of wall paintings were found, depicting faces turned to prayer.
The First Medieval Church: 11th-12th century
The third church, the first medieval one, has a peculiar plan and had only one row of columns with two asymmetric naves. A Romanesque-style building, equipped with a tower, which perhaps protected the area from the frequent and violent floods of the Isarco. Here, too, we can appreciate the influence of eastern architecture in the choice of round arches.
The restoration of Bolzano Cathedral in 1948 made it possible to bring to light the city's history, its ancient Christian architecture, and the knowledge of the generations who were part of it. Today, one can admire a historical and unique building that serves as a backdrop for many religious and cultural activities of the city.
