Behind the flat stone wall of this 13th-century Romanesque marvel are a museum of religious artifacts, traces of Roman baths and a medieval colonnade.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta has a remarkable flat façade taller and wider than its body. Not to be outdone, the church’s interior has aesthetic appeal, with its courtyard, historic paintings and glass floor panels sheltering religious gems. Spend some time appreciating the artistry in the various sections of this vast cathedral.
An imposing rose window marks the upper part of the stone frontage. Inspect the multilayered arches enclosing the frame of the entrance in the façade’s center. Additional portals ranging in shape and size creep around the sides of the church. Spot the octagonal 15th-century bell tower peaking over the rectangular wall. Listen to the collective chime of its eight bells.
Built on the spot of a former 9th-century church, the cathedral has rich history. Peer through the crystal tiles of the presbytery at the mosaic remains of Roman baths from the 2nd century.
Frescoes by local Renaissance painter Andrea Delitio and the 15th-century Virgin with Child embellish the church’s interior. Examine the complex organ and delve into the art-filled vault.
Sip espressos and enjoy snacks at the adjacent Caffè Duomo, whose elegant black tables adorn the Plaza Duomo’s cobblestones. The café lies within a historic building with a majestic colonnade.
Find restaurants and shops in the colorful structures facing the cathedral. Notice the spire of the Chiesa e Auditorium di Sant’Agostino rising from the behind the square.
Marvel at the works of art lining the gallery of the Museo Capitolare, located across the road from the cathedral. Admission to the museum next to the church incurs a small fee. It opens daily from morning until evening.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta stands on the eastern flank of Piazza Duomo in the center of Atri. Walk through this Old Town district to reach nearby points of interest such as the Teatro Comunale di Atri and the Chiesa e Auditorium di Sant’Agostino.
