Altamura Cathedral 
Exterior view of Altamura Cathedral from northeast.
A typically Puglian lion guards the entrance.
The famous Gothic portal of Altamura Cathedral.
The Last Supper, with unusual kiss.
The Nativity of Christ.
The trials of Christ.
Post-Resurrection appearances of Christ.
Ascension of Christ.
Interior looking west to the altar.
Location map and aerial view of Altamura Cathedral. For a larger interactive view, see our Italy Map.
Founded by the Holy Roman Emperor in 1232, Altamura Cathedral is a Late Romanesque-Early Gothic edifice with the most intricately carved portal in Puglia.
History
Altamura Cathedral was founded by Emperor Frederick II of Swabia in 1232. It is one of the four Palatine cathedrals of Puglia (the others are San Nicola in Bari, Barletta Cathedral, and Acquaviva Cathedral). It was renovated by Robert of Anjou after partial destruction in the earthquake of 1316 and the celebrated main portal was added in the 14th or 15th century.
Major changes were made to the cathedral in 1534, including switching the front and back around! The cathedral's main facade originally faced west (like most cathedrals), but it now faces east. The interior was redecorated in the 19th century.
What to See
Altamura Cathedral has a unique and striking appearance thanks to its variety of artistic influences and major changes in the 16th century. Its overall heaviness and austerity reflects its Late Romanesque origins under Frederick II and the twin towers of the facade are reminiscent of the medieval cathedrals of Germany. The rose window, on the other hand, is typically Puglian. The carved main portal is exuberantly Gothic but in a unique local style.
The "west" facade (which faces east) was originally the apse, and evidence of the reshuffling can clearly be seen in the architecture.
The original Gothic window of the apse, which had been in place since the original construction in 1232, was moved to the left side to make room for the rose window. The lions, elephants and griffins that jut out from the window and nearby on the facade are typically Puglian. Also on the left facade are three coats of arms; the largest is that of Emperor Charles V (1519-56).
The main facade is large, flat, and mostly plain. It is dominated by a large rose window in the center and a portal with small porch below (see below for details). The flanking towers of the facade date from the 16th century rearrangement; the Baroque pinnacles were added in 1729.
The north side of the cathedral has not been changed since its construction in the 13th century. Large blind arches are pierced by slender Gothic windows, and above runs a elegant triforium.
The third arch contains a deep niche with the Porta Angioina, named for the coat of arms of Robert of Anjou (1309-43) that appear along with a dedicatory inscription above the door. Higher up is a bas-relief panel of a smiling St. Michael the Archangel standing on the dragon.
The north transept dates from the 16th century but incorporates a Gothic window from the original facade.
The Gothic Portal
The star attraction of Altamura Cathedral is its main portal, which has been dated to the 14th and 15th centuries. It is Gothic, but in an unusual local style with Byzantine and Romanesque influences. It is especially remarkable for its wealth of busy detail - a large number of biblical scenes are squeezed into a small space, each one remarkably lifelike and intricately rendered. A.L. Frothingham raved about its uniqueness in A History of Architecture (1915):
The portal of the cathedral of Altamura is a perfect specimen of southern Gothic design.... Its effects are obtained by sharp contrasts due to heavy undercutting and not to gradations of surface treatment. The keynote is a broad expanse not broken up by parallel lines - a treatment that one might really call anti-Gothic.
The portal centers on a tympanum featuring a beautiful Virgin and Child flanked by two kneeling angels. In contrast to the rest of the portal, this part is spacious and serene.
The lintel below is occupied by a fascinating depiction of the Last Supper with the Twelve Disciples. The long rectangular table is spread with loaves of bread, pairs of fish, and baskets.
Instead of his usual position in the center, Christ is seated on the far left, where he is being embraced and kissed on the cheek by a short-haired, beardless figure. This is probably a variation on the common theme of John, "the beloved disciple," reclining on his breast as they dined. Alternatively, although the setting is wrong and the gesture seems too tender, it could represent the Kiss of Judas (which took place outside in the the garden according to the Gospels).
The inner archivolt of the portal is carved with long vines that grow from vases held by women at the base. The outer archivolt is framed by an Annunciation scene, with the Archangel Gabriel on the left and the Virgin Mary on the right. Between these larger figures are 22 miniature scenes from the life of Christ (clockwise from right):
- Journey to Bethlehem for the Census
- Nativity of Christ (with roses embroidered on Mary's blanket) and Bathing of Christ
- Announcement to the Shepherds (with a friendly dog) and Journey of the Magi
- Adoration of the Magi
- Presentation at the Temple
- Flight into Egypt
- Massacre of the Innocents
- King Herod Orders the Massacre of the Innocents
- Christ Among the Doctors in the Temple
- First Miracle at Cana
- Baptism of Christ (with two crabs in the River Jordan)
- Temptation by the Devil?
- Raising of Lazarus
- Two Trials of Jesus (Pilate and Caiphas)
- Scourging
- Crucifixion
- The Risen Christ Appears to Disciples?
- Holy Women, Angel and Sleeping Soldiers at the Empty Tomb
- Christ Appears to Mary Magdalene (a hat seems to be the reason she didn't recognize him at first!)
- Doubting Thomas Touches Christ's Wounds
- Ascension of Christ
- Pentecost?
Interior
The interior of Altamura Cathedral dates from the early 13th century but is overlaid by mostly 19th-century decorations. It has a basilica floor plan with three aisles of seven bays and interesting carved capitals in the nave and triforium. The choir stalls, bishop's throne and pulpit all date from the mid-16th century.
Also dating from the 16th century is an interesting nativity scene commissioned in 1587, consisting of 10 painted stone figures set in a local Puglian cave, complete with stalagmites and stalactites.
Quick Facts
| Site Information | |
| Names: | Altamura Cathedral; Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta |
| Location: | Altamura, Puglia, Italy |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Dedication: | Virgin Mary (Assumption) |
| Category: | Cathedrals |
| Architecture: | Gothic |
| Patron(s): | Frederick II of Swabia |
| Features: | Gothic Sculpture |
| Status: | active |
| Photo gallery: | Altamura Cathedral Photo Gallery (for viewing) |
| Stock photos: | Altamura Cathedral Stock Photos (for licensing) |
| Visitor Information | |
| Address: | Piazza Duomo, Altamura, Italy |
| Coordinates: | 40.827447° N, 16.552856° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Lodging: | View hotels near this location |
| Public transport: | Altamura is accessible by train. It is 1 hour from Bari or 25 minutes from Matera. |
Article Sources
- Personal visit (April 5, 2008).
- Paul Blanchard, Blue Guide Southern Italy, 11th ed. (London: Blue Guides Limited, 2007), 462-63.
- Arthur Lincoln Frothingham, "Gothic in Italy." A History of Architecture, Vol. 3, (Baker & Taylor Company, 1915), 275. Online at Google Books.
- Front Cover Paula Hardy, Abigail Hole, Olivia Pozzan, Lonely Planet Puglia & Basilicata (2008), 82.
- Visit Altamura - Cathedral
Last updated on August 2, 2010.
