Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption

About

Acqui Cathedral (Italian: Duomo di Acqui, Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta) is a Catholic cathedral in the city of Acqui Terme, in the province of Alessandria and the region of Piedmont, Italy. Dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, it is the seat of the Bishop of Acqui.

While the bishopric has been established since at least the 4th century, the present cathedral building was begun under bishop Primo (989-1018) and was consecrated in 1067 by bishop Guido. The ground plan is in the shape of a Latin cross, and there are five aisles (but until the 18th century, only three), terminating in three semi-circular apses. Of the Romanesque structure there still remain visible the apses, the transept, and the crypt, which underlies both the transept and the choir. The remainder has been subject to further work in later centuries. The terracotta bell tower was finished in 1479, and the bells moved from the old campanile. The main entrance in marble, by Giovanni Antonio Pilacorte, dates from 1481, and the rose window above it from around the same date, while the portico is 17th century. The interior was re-fitted in Baroque woodwork, and was decorated with...