Maria Santissima Assunta, church building in Troina, Italy
Maria Santissima Assunta is a cathedral in Norman style located in the historic center of Troina. The building was largely renovated in the 1700s and now displays a neoclassical front made of pale local stone with three main naves, vaulted ceilings decorated with white and gold details, and large arches supported by thick pilasters.
The cathedral was built between 1065 and 1078 after Norman ruler Ruggero d'Altavilla arrived in Troina and ordered its construction. In 1082, the town became a bishop's seat, making this church the center of religious authority in the area.
The cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who holds deep spiritual meaning for local believers as a protector and guide. Religious celebrations here draw worshippers from across the region who honor this traditional devotion.
The interior provides a quiet space for reflection and contemplation, making it worth exploring at a relaxed pace. Visitors should notice the small windows and carved archways that still show traces of the original Norman structure beneath later modifications.
Few remnants of the original Norman structure remain visible, but a decorated arch in the bell tower and a small window in the old transept wall still show the design details of the original building. These modest fragments tell the story of centuries of modifications and change.
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