The origins of the Cathedral date back to a small shrine with the image of the Virgin, created in one of the merlons built to defend the medieval bridge that connected the city to the Fiera Plain. In the niche on the main altar stands the revered terracotta image of the Virgin with Child, a work from the mid-15th century, during which the construction of the first chapel began, occupying the entire width of the medieval bridge. As the construction of a new bridge, adjacent to the previous one, became necessary, it was decided, in 1520, to cover it with vaults to allow for further expansion. Between 1610 and 1621, the bell tower was built by Tommaso Gottardo. In 1762, the main altar of the church, which had been located in front of the original shrine, where the Chapel of the Sacrament is now, was moved to the short side at the back. The new altar was created by the Neapolitan marble worker Crescenzo Trinchese. The interior was completely redecorated between 1785 and 1794. To fresco the vaults and the dome, the Neapolitan artist Giacinto Diano was commissioned, and he also painted the lunettes and two altarpieces between 1787 and 1793. In 1819, to create the new neoclassical facade, designed by the architect Eugenio Michitelli from Teramo, the Church of the Annunziata was demolished, which had been connected to the Madonna del Ponte and had been the city’s first Cathedral. The marble flooring dates back to 1870, designed by engineer Filippo Sargiacomo, while the stained-glass windows were installed in 1912.

The visit will offer an exploratory journey inside the Cathedral, allowing visitors to delve into the history and value of the artworks contained within.

The path begins from Piazza Plebiscito, where the majestic facade stands, and then leads inside through the portico to face the immense single nave, preceded by a vestibule, with an elevated presbytery covered by a grand dome. The Chapel of the Sacrament opens onto the nave, while the other five minor altars are placed in the short lateral expansions. From the presbytery and the Chapel of the Sacrament, a corridor leads to the sacristy.

The decorative design of the Cathedral is a synthesis of stucco decorations and frescoes on the vaults, the pendentives of the dome, and the lunettes placed beside the windows.

Along the sides of the nave and on the vault, all the way to the marble altarpiece, it is possible to explore the paintings, statues, stuccoes, and marble decorations that adorn the Cathedral.