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Church · Aosta, Vale de Aosta
Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta
A catedral de Aosta, originating in the 4th century and rebuilt in the 11th, with a neoclassical façade, medieval floor mosaics and the treasure museum, which houses the original crucifix from the Arco de Augusto.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta
The catedral de Aosta stands on the site where, at the end of the 4th century, there was already a large Christian church beside the old Roman forum. The building was rebuilt in the 11th century by Bishop Anselmo I in the Romanesque style and was altered several times afterwards: the interior gained Gothic vaults, and the current neoclassical façade dates to the 19th century, with a Renaissance portico decorated behind it.
In the choir, the floor preserves medieval mosaics with figures representing the months of the year and other themes. As in Santo Urso, 11th-century frescoes have survived between the roof and the ceiling and are visible on guided tours. The choir has carved wooden stalls from the 15th century.
The treasure museum, in the ambulatory, brings together reliquaries, goldsmith's work, sculptures and manuscripts, including the 15th-century wooden crucifix that stood at the Arco de Augusto and an ivory diptych of the emperor Honorius from the year 406.
The catedral is on the praça Giovanni XXIII, next to the entrance of the criptopórtico romano, and the two can be visited in sequence.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes to 1 hour, including the treasure museum.
Best time
During the day, outside Mass times. The treasure museum and the frescoes have their own opening hours; check before you go.
How to get there
It is on the praça Giovanni XXIII, in the centre, about a 5-minute walk from the praça Chanoux.
Tip
Combine it with the criptopórtico next door: the cathedral was built over the sacred area of the Roman forum.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta
What to see in Aosta Cathedral?
The medieval mosaics on the choir floor, the carved 15th-century seats, the 11th-century frescoes above the nave, and the treasury museum.
Where is the original crucifix from the Arco de Augusto?
In the cathedral's treasury museum. What hangs on the arch is a copy.
Is the cathedral near the cryptoporticus?
Yes, both are on Piazza Giovanni XXIII, side by side.