Duomo di Avellino

The Duomo of Avellino (or "Cathedral"), located in the square of the same name, is dedicated to Saint Mary of the Assumption into Heaven and Saints Modestinus, Florentinus and Flavianus.

An architecturally and historically significant building dating back to the 12th century, the Cathedral retained its Romanesque style until the end of the 17th century when, after several transformations and restorations by Bishop Francesco Gallo, it became Baroque. 
In the 19th century, the façade of the Cathedral underwent further work to give it its current white and grey neoclassical appearance. The original plan of the religious building, in its essential lines, has remained intact until today, even if the numerous transformations undergone over the centuries have altered the essentiality of the original style.

The Cathedral Crypt is particularly fascinating and evocative, having maintained its Romanesque style over the centuries. Dating back to the 6th century, it is also known as the Church of Santa Maria dei Sette Dolori (Saint Mary of the Seven Sorrows) or the Crypt of Our Lady of Sorrows and is characterised by its structure with a nave and two aisles, separated by stone columns, and by the 18th-century frescoes on the ceiling, painted by Angelo Michele Ricciardi and depicting scenes from the life of Saint Modestinus.

Despite the various mournful events that the provincial capital of Irpinia has had to face throughout its history, including wars, fires and earthquakes, Avellino Cathedral is the only monument that has managed to survive from the origins of the community of Avellino to the present day, still showing its beauty and majesty.