The Cathedral of St. Matthew in Salerno, or Duomo di Salerno, It was founded by Robert Guiscard and consecrated by Pope Gregory VII, officially inaugurated in March 1084. The current structure dates from the earthquake 5 June 1688, when it was completely rebuilt. The main entrance was changed, his yard is surrounded by a covered walkway supported by twenty-eight simple columns with arches and a series of Roman tombs around the walls. On the southern side of the cathedral is located the bell tower dating back to the twelfth century.
The cathedral of Salerno presents a plan articulated in a longitudinal body with three naves with a horizontal, transept, with three apses and portico. The first element of novelty is given by the shape of the crypt to the classroom with space punctuated by columns and with apses in correspondence with those of the upper transect. The crypt contains the mortal remains of St. Matthew. The legend of the translational wants that the relics have been brought to Salerno from Gisulfo I in the tenth century and later in 1081, when it was built the new cathedral dedicated to the evangelist, They were placed in the crypt destined to guard them.
The sculptural decoration of the entire Cathedral of Salerno is characterized by a strong presence of animals: starting from the entrance, we find a lion and a lioness suckling her little, Power symbols and the church's charity; the lintel depicts addition to grape trellis, the dates pecked by birds, an allusion to the spiritual nourishment of the soul, and also, the monkey and the lion places to extremes that symbolize, respectively, heresy and truth of the church; but also within it proposes decorative elements with their pets medieval heritage: leoncini, cavalli, centauri.
For visitors:
- The visits to Salerno Cathedral are not allowed to speakerphone, but it is necessary to use earphones suitable tools (for more information see the Infopoint)
- They are not permitted for guided tours during the Eucharistic celebrations and conferences, prayer meetings and the Sacred Triduum (Thursday, Friday, Saturday).
- Please keep off cell phones and not to use cameras with flash.
- For an appropriate place to wear, shorts or skimpy outfits are not allowed.
- It will be denied access to those who do not respect these provisions.
