Terracina Cathedral, Co-cathedral in Terracina, Italy
Terracina Cathedral is a Romanesque co-cathedral in the town with three naves separated by Roman columns and an elevated choir space positioned in the central nave. The side apses complete the interior arrangement of this religious structure.
The cathedral was built between the 5th and 6th centuries using materials salvaged from an ancient Roman temple that previously stood on the forum site. This reuse of classical materials demonstrates how early Christian structures were often constructed over former pagan sacred locations.
The cathedral houses a medieval pulpit carved in the 13th century and features intricate floor mosaics in the Cosmatesque style created between the 12th and 13th centuries. These decorative elements shape the visual experience as visitors move through the space.
The main entrance involves climbing a flight of steps that leads to a portico supported by six classical columns arranged around a central triumphal arch. This arrangement creates a formal threshold before entering the interior space.
The cathedral served as the location for a papal conclave in 1088 that resulted in the election of Pope Urban II. This gathering represented a significant moment in medieval church governance.
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