Cathedral of Gerace

The grand cathedral of Gerace isn't just an architectural jewel, it is also the largest church in Calabria. The church was built at the turn of the Byzantine period to the Norman period and bears elements from both epochs. It is considered the most important Norman structure in Calabria, constructed in Romanesque style but with some clear Eastern decorative elements maintained.

The heavy structure resembles a Norman castle with its solid blocks and apse that looks like rounded towers. It was built between 1080 and 1120, with a second consecration in 1222 when Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II passed through Gerace. The cathedral was heavily damaged in an earthquake in 1783 and abandoned for some years before finally being restored to its original splendor.

The duomo is dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta. The spare Romanesque interior bears arcades that separate the nave from the side aisles. The crypt is the real gem of the cathedral. There are 26 columns that were scavaged from nearby Locri Epizefiri and Byzantine decorative elements. The chapel of the Madonna dell'Itria was built in 1261 and has a barrel vault with marble ornaments and marble mosaic flooring. The chapel of San Giacomo is the treasure (Il Tesoro in Italian), and contains a noteworthy relic - a templar cross from Jerusalem that dates to the 12th century. There is a filigree chalice and other precious pieces on display, as well.