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Concattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo: A Romanesque Masterpiece in Sovana

Discover Sovana's Romanesque gem: a historic cathedral with stunning architecture, art, and a crypt holding the remains of a saint.

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The Concattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo, or Sovana Cathedral, is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture in the heart of Sovana, Tuscany. This historic cathedral, dating back to the 11th century, showcases a blend of architectural styles and a rich history tied to the region's early Christian roots and the powerful Aldobrandeschi family.

A brief summary to Concattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo

Local tips

  • Visit during the summer solstice (June 21st) to witness the unique illumination of the nave by the sun's rays.
  • Explore the crypt to see the remains of San Mamiliano and experience the cathedral's ancient foundations.
  • Take your time to admire the sculpted capitals and marble inserts within the cathedral's interior.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Piazza del Pretorio, the main square in Sovana, walk along Via del Duomo towards the eastern end of the village. The Concattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo is located at the end of the street. The walk is short and straightforward, taking only a few minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The bus line 18P stops near Sovana. From the bus stop 'Sovana Tomba Ildebranda', walk approximately 20 minutes (1.5km) to reach the Concattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo. A single bus ticket costs around €1-€2.

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Discover more about Concattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo

The Concattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo, also known as the Duomo of Sovana, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of this small Tuscan village. Located in the heart of Sovana, part of the municipality of Sorano, the cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings in the Maremma region. Founded possibly on the site of an ancient Etruscan acropolis, the current building largely dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries, with its Romanesque style reflecting the influence of the Aldobrandeschi family and the papacy of Gregory VII, who was himself from Sovana. The cathedral's history is intertwined with the early Christianization of the region, with tradition holding that Saint Mamiliano, a bishop of Palermo, evangelized Sovana in the 4th century. This led to Sovana becoming a bishopric in the 5th century. The exterior of the cathedral features a side entrance adorned with a sculpted stone arch. Inside, the cathedral is divided into three naves separated by rows of columns with intricately sculpted capitals depicting natural motifs, human faces, and biblical scenes. Marble inserts complement the tuff walls, adding to the visual richness of the interior. A 15th-century travertine baptismal font is also a notable feature. The crypt houses the remains of San Mamiliano. The cathedral's orientation is aligned with the summer solstice, during which the first ray of sunshine enters through the apse window and illuminates the nave.

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