Massa Marittima Cathedral
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Cathedral of Massa Marittima (Duomo), entitled to San Cerbone (St. Cerbonius), is the main church of Massa Marittima, Tuscany, Italy.
Contents |
[edit] Architecture
The cathedral measures 58.72 m per 18, and is on the Latin cross plan.
The façade reveals the different influences which inspired the anonymous architect: the blind arcades in the lower part, decorated with circular openings and lozenges, the loggiato in the middle part and surmounting tympanum are in Pisane Romanesque style; the large ogival mullioned window and the three spires show instead a Sienese influence.
The central portal, flanked by two lion columns, and has five panels with Stories of St. Cerbonius, from the early 13th century. The three central columns of the tympanum lies on three figures: a bearded man, a gryphon and a horse.
The bell tower is the original 13th century one in the lower part, while the upper area is a 19th century addition. The polygonal tambour, standing at 37.86 m, is from the 15th century.
[edit] Interior
The interior has a basilica plan with an apse and two aisles, divided by cylindrical columns and cruciform pilasters which end in complex composite capitals. Next to the entrance door, under a 14th century triptych with Madonna Enthroned with Child and Saints, is a roman sarcophagus from the 4th century. On the right of the counter-façade is a series of panels in soft stone, dating from the High Middle Ages or, according to others, to the 12th-13th century. Over the panels are a 14th century Crucifixion and a 15th century Story of San Julian frescoes.
The middle rose window has rare Sienese school stained glasses. On the left is the monumental baptismal font, with a rectangular bath surmounted by a small temple. The Baptistery is from 1267.
The right aisles houses a Madonna in Glory by Antonio Nasini (late 17th century) and a Nativity of the Virgin by Rutilio Manetti (16th century). In chapel on the right of the presbytery is a painted cross by Segna di Bonaventura (14th century). The wooden pulpit is from the 17th century. Also by Rutilio Manetti are an Immaculate Conception and the Eternal Father in the chapel to the right of the major one.
The high altar, in marble (1626), has a polychrome wooden Crucifix by Giovanni Pisano (early 14th century). At the feet of the altar are two wooden angels from the 15th century, by Domenico di Niccolò dei Cori. Behind it is the Ark of St. Cerbonius, executed in 1342, with reliefs depicting stories of the Saint.
On the right wall is a 15th century fresco with St. Cerbonius Accompanied by Ducks, while a Maestà attributed to Duccio di Buoninsegna (1316) can be seen in the chapel to left of the major one, together with an Annunciation by Raffaello Vanni (17th century).
The crypt houses small statues of Prophets and Saints, by an unknown mid-14th century Sienese sculptor, and a 15th century fresco with Crucifixion with St. Cerbonius and St. Bonaventura of Siena.
[edit] References
- Salvi, Francesco (ed.) (1999). "Massa Marittima", Luoghi d'italia. Le città e i dintorni. Florence: Franco Cantini Editore.
