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: | Crypt |
Light: | Incandescent |
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. |
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info. |
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. |
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.