CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE

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Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore

(Duomo of Civita Castellana)

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, more commonly known as the Duomo of Civita Castellana, is located in Piazza Duomo, near the historic center and Forte Sangallo.

Its construction was commissioned by the Cosmati family at the end of the 12th century, with modifications made between 1736 and 1740.

The facade is divided into three sections, with a brick bell tower rising above it, featuring three levels of single-lancet windows. A grand staircase leads up to the portico, where archaeological remains from various periods are preserved. The portico features architraved columns and a large central arch that was once decorated with a blue mosaic inscribed with gold lettering.

The portico was built by Jacobus Laurentii (Jacopo di Lorenzo) and his son Cosma, and dates back to the early 1200s.

The cathedral can be accessed through three entrances. The central door is adorned with four Corinthian columns and two stylophore lions holding human figures in their paws—symbolizing evil that prevents the faithful from reaching salvation.

Inside, the church has a Latin cross plan with a raised presbytery, a single barrel-vaulted nave, and a dome with a lantern. The former side aisles have been transformed into eight interconnected chapels. The main altar consists of an early Christian sarcophagus from the 3rd or 4th century, and the interior houses numerous artworks from different periods.

A highlight of the cathedral is the crypt, located beneath the main altar. Dating back to the 7th–8th century, it was likely built over a Roman structure. It is divided into nine transverse aisles, with cross-vaulted ceilings supported by columns with capitals from various historical periods. The crypt once housed two ciboria by the school of Duccio di Bartolomeo (15th century), one dedicated to the Eucharist and the other to relics—only one remains today.

The cathedral’s pipe organ has been recently restored. According to tradition, it was played by Mozart in 1770 during a stop in Civita Castellana while traveling from Rome.