Cathedrale Sant'Agapito Martyr, Cathedral with Romanesque portal in Palestrina, Italy.
Cathedral Sant'Agapito is a church in Palestrina combining Romanesque and Baroque elements in its architecture. The interior is divided into three naves by stone pillars, while the marble entrance portal from 1503 displays religious symbols and family crests.
The cathedral was built upon the foundations of an ancient Jupiter temple and received consecration from Pope Paschal II in 1117. This construction marked the transition from pagan to Christian religious structures at the same location.
The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Agapitus, whose silver bust is carried through Palestrina's streets each August. This annual procession remains an important community celebration where locals and visitors gather together.
The cathedral is located at Corso Pierluigi da Palestrina 11 and is open to visitors during regular church services and religious events. It is recommended to dress respectfully and plan your visit before or after scheduled masses to avoid disrupting worship.
The crypt beneath the presbytery contains visible remnants of Roman building structures that recent archaeological restoration work has made accessible. These underground traces reveal the long occupation history of the site across different periods.
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