Cripta duomo Città di Castello


Useful Information

photography
Cripta duomo Città di Castello, Perugia, Umbria, Italy. Public Domain.
photography
Cripta duomo Città di Castello, Perugia, Umbria, Italy. Public Domain.
Location: Cathedral of St. Florido and Amanzio, Piazza Venanzio Gabriotti, 4, 06012 Città di Castello PG.
(43.456749, 12.237634)
Open: no restrictions.
[2022]
Fee: free.
[2022]
Classification: SubterraneaCrypt
Light: LightIncandescent
Dimension:
Guided tours: self guided
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: no
Bibliography:
Address: Cathedral of St. Florido and Amanzio, Piazza Venanzio Gabriotti, 4, 06012 Città di Castello PG, Tel: +39-075-852-1647.
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History

1012 construction of a new cathedral started by Bishop Pietro.
1032 new cathedral consecrated and dedicated to Saint Floridus, the patron Saint of the city.
1450 crypt built and relics of the two Saints stored in the crypt.
1494 damaged in an earthquake.
22-AUG-1540 fourth cathedral consecrated and dedication to Saint Amanzio added.
December 1888 elevated it to the dignity of a minor basilica by Pope Leo XIII.

Description

photography
Cripta duomo Città di Castello, Perugia, Umbria, Italy. Public Domain.

The Duomo di Città di Castello (Cathedral of Città di Castello) is also known as Basilica Cattedrale di Ss. Florido e Amanzio (Cathedral of Saints Florido and Amanzio). The city had a cathedral since late Roman times, the first, which was dedicated to Saint Stephanus was destroyed in the 6th century by Totila's Gothic army. On the initiative of deacon and future Bishop Floridus a new cathedral was built in the early 7th century and dedicated to St. Lawrence of Rome. This is probably the reason why he became the patron Saint of the city after his canonization. In the 11th century construction of a new and bigger cathedral was started by Bishop Pietro. In 1032 the new cathedral was consecrated and dedicated to Saint Floridus. The bodies of the patron Saints Floridus and Amanzio were placed in the new crypt of the cathedral, which is located below the altar. After the cathedral was damaged in an earthquake in 1494 another renovation became necessary. It was again consecrated on 23-AUG-1529 and Patron Saint Amanzio added to the name.

The crypt or lower church is entered down a stairway inside the cathedral. It is actually a second church with an altar and may be used for services with fewer attendees. It still contains the relics of the two Saints Floridus and Amanzio. There is also the skull of San Crescentino (Saint Crescentinus), who is venerated as a warrior saint and sometimes depicted on horseback killing a dragon, in the same manner as Saint George. The statue of the Black Madonna of Città di Castello is also located here. The sculpture is quite exceptional, despite the colour, as she holds a woman in her left hand instead of Christ, who holds a sphere. Also, she wears a tiara or crown. The crypt also contains other important artworks, and a visit is worthwhile.