The Cathedral of Santa Maria and San Pietro in Sessa Aurunca

In Sessa Aurunca the cathedral church is dedicated to Santa Maria and San Pietro. Its construction began in 1103 and ended in 1113 and was commissioned by Riccardo dell'Aquila: originally it was therefore in Romanesque style. Later, however, it was heavily remodeled in the eighteenth century by the will of Bishop Caracciolo. Today, therefore, different styles can be found in the building. The entrance portico to the cathedral dates back to the 13th century and was built using waste materials from the medieval era. The pronaos follows, which has 3 arches, surmounted by archivolts which are decorated with zoomorphic and plant motifs. The entrance to the church is possible from three different portals, in front of one of which there are two crouching fairs. Inside there are three naves with cross vaults, and the floor is lined with splendid mosaics that draw very complex geometric patterns. Inside, the presence of the 13th century pulpit made by Maestro Pellegrino is noteworthy. The crypt, supported by 20 columns, completes the complex.