Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta

Teramo's Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta combines a Romanesque church with a later Gothic extension. Among its principal works are the silver altar frontal by Nicola di Guardiagrele and a polyptych by Iacobello del Fiore depicting the city.

Why it matters

The cathedral was built after the destruction of Teramo in the mid-twelfth century to house the relics of San Berardo. Its two connected building phases preserve the development of medieval architecture in Abruzzo, while the altar frontal and polyptych reflect the city's artistic connections in the fifteenth century.

What to notice

The main portal, dated 1332 and signed by Deodato di Cosma, has twisted columns and Cosmatesque inlay. Inside, the transition between the earlier nave and the taller Gothic section is visible in the building's changing scale. The silver paliotto by Nicola di Guardiagrele presents a series of engraved and enamelled panels around a central Redeemer; Iacobello del Fiore's polyptych includes a painted view of Teramo.

Context and history

Construction began in 1158 and was completed around 1176. Bishop Niccolò degli Arcioni extended the cathedral in the first half of the fourteenth century, shifting its axis and adding the taller eastern section. After Baroque alterations, restorations from 1929 to 1933 brought back aspects of its medieval appearance. The bell tower stands on a twelfth-century base and was completed in 1493 by Antonio da Lodi.