The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta is the cathedral in Orte. Although located in Orte, it is the seat of the bishopric of Civita Castellana. The main highlight of this church is the altar, with a painting from the 18th century.
Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral Orte
Address, opening hours and entrance fee
The address of the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta is Piazza della Libertà – 01028 Orte, Italy (tel +39 0761493371). Opening hours: 07.00 to 13.30. Entrance fee: Free.
Special events
1 September is the feast day of the patron saint of Orte, Sant’Egidio.
History and description
The Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral was built in the 9th century. The current, baroque version is the result of reconstruction by the architects Castrachini and Bizzacchero in 1721.
Between 1898 and 1901, the façade was also rebuilt. Earlier reconstructions had already taken place in the 14th and 16th centuries.
What to see
One of the most important attractions of the church is its organ. It was made in the 18th century, reusing parts of a medieval musical instrument from the 15th century.
The monumental altar is used to preserve relics of martyrs and patron saints.
The wooden choir is another highlights
The altarpiece “Madonna in Glory with 8 Holy Martyrs” was painted by Giuseppe Bottani in 1752.