Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, also known as Santa Maria Maggiore, is located in Fano, not far from the imposing Arch of Augustus. Its façade in perfect Romanesque style will welcome you after a short walk from the arch to the cathedral, transporting you to a thousand-year history.The church, built in the 12th century, represents the main place of worship in the city of Fano. Its importance was recognized in 1953 when it was elevated to the rank of minor basilica by Pope Pius XII, a testament to the centuries-old devotion of the faithful.The building, completed around 1140 at the behest of Bishop Rainaldo, stands on the ruins of an earlier church destroyed by fire in 1124, as recalled by a plaque placed under the organ.The facade, although simple in its overall appearance, retains the characteristics of the original Romanesque architecture thanks to restoration work carried out in the 1920s. Built with a combination of sandstone and brick, it has a tripartition that is also reflected in the interior of the church. The finely decorated front door was originally surmounted by a rose window, unfortunately lost over the centuries.Inside, the cathedral spans three main aisles, originally ending in three apses and a crypt under the chancel. In the 16th century, the two side apses were replaced by two chapels to allow for an enlargement of the central apse, while the crypt was eliminated.The side aisles house six chapels, reduced from the original eight during the 20th century. Among the many artistic elements that characterize the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, two deserve special mention: the pulpit and the Nolfi Chapel.The pulpit, reconstructed in the 20th century using original walled parts and other elements scattered throughout the church, features a series of Romanesque bas-reliefs dating back to the 12th century, depicting episodes from the childhood of Jesus.The Nolfi Chapel, dating from the 17th century, is distinguished by its lavish decorations that are an admirable example of Baroque sensibility. Inside the chapel are frescoes by the famous painter Domenico Zampieri, known as Domenichino, created between 1618 and 1619 and depicting episodes from the life of Mary.The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Fano is a place of great historical, artistic and spiritual importance, bearing witness to the city's cultural richness and inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its fascinating history.