Co-Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption and Saint Catellus of Castellamare, Catholic co-cathedral in Castellammare di Stabia, Italy.
The Co-Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption and Saint Catellus is a church building arranged in a Latin cross shape with three naves and multiple chapels surrounding the central space. A grand staircase of local piperno stone leads upward, and the interior features marble decorative elements accessed through three arched entrances supported by four pillars.
Construction began in 1587 on the site of an early Christian cemetery near an ancient Roman road linking Nocera and Stabiae. This location connected a long history of religious use with the area's importance as a traffic hub in ancient times.
The main nave displays frescoes by Vincenzo Paliotti showing scenes from the life of Saint Catello, while surrounding lunettes represent different virtues. These artworks shape how the space feels and reflect the local devotion to this saint.
Access is straightforward through three arched entrances that are generously sized, opening into a spacious interior. Visitors should expect mixed lighting that comes from daylight and decorative elements throughout the space.
Excavations beneath the building revealed a Paleochristian necropolis and remains of ancient Roman houses with preserved street segments and doorways. These archaeological finds show how the ancient settlement lies beneath the modern religious structure, with multiple centuries of history layered at one location.
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