Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary

The Cathedral of Dubrovnik, also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, is one of the most important and fascinating religious buildings in the city. Its history, intertwined with legends and historical events, and its architecture, representing a magnificent example of Baroque style, make this cathedral a must-see for anyone visiting Dubrovnik. The current cathedral stands on the site of a previous Romanesque church, destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1667 that struck Dubrovnik. This catastrophic event offered the opportunity to rebuild the building in a new and majestic style. The reconstruction, started in 1673 and completed in 1713, was entrusted to a group of Italian architects, including Andrea Buffalini from Urbino, who brought the elegance and grandeur of Roman Baroque with him. The facade of the cathedral is a masterpiece of symmetry and grandeur. Its Corinthian columns, arches, and statues adorning the top give the building a solemnity that captivates anyone approaching it. Above the main entrance, a large round window allows light to filter inside, illuminating the main altar in a suggestive way. Upon entering the cathedral, one is struck by the brightness and spaciousness of the interior. The central nave, wide and imposing, is flanked by two smaller side naves. The vaulted ceiling is decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary, executed by Italian artists of the 18th century. These paintings, with their vibrant colors and dynamic compositions, help create an atmosphere of beauty and spirituality. One of the most precious elements of the cathedral is its main altar, made of precious marble and decorated with intricate statues and reliefs. At the center of the altar is a painting depicting the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the work of an Italian artist from the 17th century. This masterpiece is surrounded by twisted columns and golden angels that seem to come to life in the candlelight. The cathedral also houses numerous side chapels, each dedicated to a different saint and adorned with valuable works of art. Among these, the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament is particularly notable for its finely crafted silver tabernacle and paintings from the Venetian school. Another treasure of the cathedral is its treasury, which contains an extraordinary collection of relics and sacred objects. Among the most important pieces is a relic of the Holy Cross, enclosed in a precious reliquary of gold and gemstones, and a collection of richly embroidered liturgical vestments. The treasury also includes a series of finely chiseled silver reliquaries containing the bones of saints and martyrs. From a historical perspective, the cathedral is linked to a fascinating legend involving Richard the Lionheart. It is said that the English king, returning from the Third Crusade, shipwrecked near the island of Lokrum and vowed to build a church in Dubrovnik if he survived. Although there is no concrete historical evidence of this event, the legend has helped strengthen the bond between the city and the cathedral.