Acquaviva Cathedral, Co-cathedral in Acquaviva delle Fonti, Italy
Acquaviva Cathedral is a Romanesque church in Acquaviva delle Fonti featuring a Latin cross layout with three naves and a Renaissance rose window. Inside, fourteen marble columns support a crypt beneath the main floor, where additional altars have been positioned for devotional purposes.
Work on this cathedral began in 1529 during Giovanni Antonio Donato Acquaviva's feudal rule and was completed in 1594 under Alberto Acquaviva. The construction spanned the late Renaissance period, reflecting architectural changes over the course of roughly 65 years.
The cathedral maintains its status as a palatine church, indicating direct royal ownership, which granted independence from regular ecclesiastical jurisdiction.
Visitors can access the cathedral to explore its Romanesque structure and the decorative details throughout. The combination of upper and lower levels means there are multiple areas to discover, so allowing adequate time for a complete visit is helpful.
King Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies stopped at the cathedral's crypt in 1859 during his journey to Bari. This royal visit reflects the place's importance as a religious site for notable visitors traveling through the region.
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