THE CATHEDRAL OF SAN CATERVO

Photo: Giorgio Semmoloni

Photo: Renato Gatta

The first news about the worship site nowadays known as Church of San Catervo date back to the 11^th century, when a “cella Sanctae Mariae” was mentioned in a parchment. In 1256, the Benedictine monks who lived there decided to restore their ancient church collecting offerings from the

faithful.Some elements of that new building have survived: the four lions which now support the sarcophagus of San Catervo in the Saint’s Chapel, maybe part of the “prothyrum”, and a splendid marble lunette with two Archangels and the apostles Peter and Paul, element of the former portal.

Entablature bearing the motto Alme Tolentini populum defende Caterve
(O generous Catervo, protect the people of Tolentino)

Of this construction, or of a following one, the Chapel of San Catervo remains, incorporated in the building of the first half of 19^th century. The present disposition of the Cathedral is the result of the refurbishing of 1820. In that occasion the “panteum”, the

sepulchral monument containing the sarcophagus of Flavius Julius Catervius (6^th century),  was almost completely demolished. Recent excavations have revealed the ruins which are left, a fresco of Carlovingian times and part of the original flooring.

Photo: Giorgio Semmoloni