Concattedrale di San Cesareo (Duomo di Terracina)

Terracina's Co-Cathedral of San Cesareo stands on Piazza Municipio above the ancient forum. Built over a Roman temple between the fifth and sixth centuries, it was dedicated to the city's patron martyr in 1074 and hosted the conclave that elected Urban II in 1088.

Why it matters

The cathedral is one of Terracina's most layered buildings. Roman temple remains and reused columns coexist with a medieval mosaic frieze, a Cosmatesque pavement and later furnishings. It remains a co-cathedral of the Diocese of Latina-Terracina-Sezze-Priverno and an active place of worship.

What to notice

The portico rises above twenty-five steps and uses six reused Roman columns; carved figures appear on their bases. A medieval mosaic frieze, attributed to Norman artists of the twelfth century, decorates the entablature. Inside, three aisles are divided by ancient columns. The central nave retains a Cosmatesque pavement, while the high altar has a wooden baldachin supported by six ancient Corinthian columns. Other features include an early-thirteenth-century pulpit and a spiral candle column dated 31 October 1245.

Context and history

The first church was built between the fifth and sixth centuries, incorporating part of the Roman temple that dominated the forum. The temple may have been dedicated to Roma and Augustus, though this identification remains uncertain. Medieval remodelling added the bell tower and portico; the church was dedicated to San Cesareo in 1074. In 1088 the conclave met here and elected Urban II. Later alterations reduced the original five aisles to three and added baroque and neoclassical furnishings. In 2024 Terracina marked the 950th anniversary of the dedication. San Cesareo is a co-patron of the city.