Sacile cathedral, Renaissance cathedral in Sacile, Italy.

Sacile Cathedral is a Renaissance structure standing near the Livenza River, with a tall bell tower and detailed facade elements from that era. The building displays characteristic Renaissance architectural features with carefully crafted decorative details.

A church existed on the site by the 9th century, commissioned by Henry, count of the March of Friuli, and was enlarged in 1298. The present cathedral was built at the end of the 15th century by the masters Beltrame and Vittorio da Como, with Giovanni da Pordenone designing the bell tower. Its facade follows Venetian models, recalling Mauro Codussi. Vaulting added in 1836 was removed after the 1936 earthquake, and after further damage in 1976 the building was restored to its 15th-century forms.

The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Nicholas and functions as the main religious gathering place for locals. You will notice worshippers coming and going throughout the day, especially during services.

The cathedral faces the Livenza in Sacile's centre, with the entrance on the west front and the bell tower designed by Giovanni da Pordenone beside it. The interior is three naves with pointed arches and a timber roof, so the aisles and the apse fresco by Pino Casarini are seen on foot. The 1976 earthquakes led to a full restoration in the 15th-century forms; check current opening times before travelling.

On the entrance wall a plaque records that in 1454 David, son of the Ottoman sultan Murad II, was buried in the cathedral; he had converted to Christianity and left his father and homeland. The story is easy to miss beside the door.