Cathedrale Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta Padua, Italy

The present Padua Cathedral is the third church to be built on the same site. The first cathedral was constructed following the Edict of Milan in 313 but was destroyed by an earthquake on January 3, 1117. A second, Romanesque-style cathedral was built in its place, and its medieval appearance can still be seen in the frescoes by Giusto de’ Menabuoi in the adjacent baptistery. The current cathedral, however, is the result of a reconstruction effort that began in the 16th century. Though Michelangelo was initially credited with its design, it was primarily Andrea della Valle and Agostino Righetto who oversaw its construction. The church’s Renaissance-style design shares similarities with other churches in Padua. Construction continued for two centuries and was completed in 1754, though the façade remains unfinished.

Dedication and Significance

The Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and holds the title of minor basilica. It is also a functioning parish and is a place of veneration for the relics of several saints, including San Daniele, San Leonino, and San Gregorio Barbarigo.

Paleochristian Era

Tradition suggests that the first cathedral, originally dedicated to Santa Giustina, was built after the Edict of Constantine. A stone pillar with a cross marks the spot of this early church, now part of the current cathedral’s churchyard. The cathedral was restored during the 5th and 6th centuries, and in 620, Bishop Tricidio performed further restoration. After a fire in 899, the cathedral was rebuilt and later consecrated in 1075 by Bishop Olderico. Historians believe the façade of this church was located to the east, and it included a confession and crypt where Bishop Tricidio was buried. His tombstone was discovered during later excavation of the foundations. The basilica ultimately collapsed during the 1117 earthquake.

Archaeological Excavations

Excavations conducted between 2011 and 2012 by the University of Padua’s Chair of Medieval Archaeology have provided significant insights into the area surrounding the cathedral. In the northeast corner of the churchyard, a Romanesque-style tower base was discovered, dating back to the 10th-12th centuries. Other findings include foundations of buildings from the 9th to 11th centuries, 4th-5th century mosaic pavements, a 5th or 6th-century Lacerta altar, fragments of liturgical furnishings, 56 graves, and remnants of Longobard-era homes and workshops.

Post-Earthquake Rebuilding

Following the destruction of the cathedral in 1117, a new church was built by the architect Macillo. It is unclear whether this structure was built on the ruins of the previous cathedral or in a new location, but it was consecrated on April 24, 1180. The new cathedral followed a similar orientation to its predecessor, with the façade facing east and the presbytery to the west. It was divided into three naves and a transept. The south aisle overlooked a road next to the Episcopal Palace and bell tower, while the north aisle was adjacent to the cloister of the canons and the baptistery. The interior featured columns and pillars arranged in the Ottonian style. In 1227, the campanile was rebuilt, and further restoration work on the vaults was undertaken by Bishop Stephen of Carrara in 1399-1400.