Cattedrale di San Bartolomeo (Bojano)

San Bartolomeo in Bojano preserves the memory of the town's ancient episcopal seat within a building repeatedly reconstructed after earthquakes and war. Medieval sculpture, reused stone and modern paintings reflect those successive phases.

Why it matters

Bojano's diocese is documented in the early sixth century, but the surviving church's history is particularly associated with rebuilding from the eleventh century onwards. Its architectural fragments distinguish the history of the institution from that of the present fabric.

What to notice

Medieval carved panels, a pointed portal and a rose window survive within the altered building. The thirteenth-century baptismal font has carved human and animal imagery. Stone capacity measures known as tommoli recall another aspect of local material culture. An earlier apse beneath the presbytery records the medieval church, while Rodolfo Papa's paintings on canvas added a new decorative cycle in 2000–2003.

Context and history

Earthquakes in 1456 and 1805 led to major reconstruction. Bombing in 1943 caused further destruction, including the loss of Romeo Musa's painted cycle. Rebuilding culminated in reconsecration in 1948. Archaeological investigation during later restoration revealed apsidal remains beneath the present church.