Assisi Cathedral

Assisi Cathedral (Italian: Cattedrale di San Rufino di Assisi, or simply Cattedrale di Assisi), dedicated to Saint Rufinus, is a major church in Assisi, Italy. This imposing cathedral, built in the Romanesque style of Umbria, is the third church constructed on the same site to house the relics of Bishop Rufinus, who was martyred in the 3rd century.

Construction began in 1140 based on designs by Giovanni da Gubbio, as recorded by a wall inscription still visible inside the apse. He may be the same Giovanni who later designed the rose window of Santa Maria Maggiore in 1163.

The cathedral has played an important role in the history of the Franciscan Order. Within its walls, Saint Francis of Assisi (1182), Saint Clare (1193), many of their early followers, and even Emperor Frederick II were baptized.

It was after hearing Francis preach in this church in 1209 that Clare was deeply moved by his message and came to recognize her vocation. According to Tommaso da Celano, Saint Francis was once seen praying in this church while simultaneously appearing in a vision, riding a chariot of fire, at the Porziuncola.

In 1228, during his visit to Assisi for the canonization of Saint Francis, Pope Gregory IX consecrated the cathedral’s high altar. The completed church was later inaugurated by Pope Innocent IV in 1253.

Since 1986, it has served as a co-cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino.

The Romanesque façade was built with stones from the Monte Subasio. It is a typical example of the style found in 12th-century churches of Umbria. This façade is divided in three sections. The rather bare top level is triangular with an empty semi-circular arch in the middle, probably intended to contain a frieze or a mosaic.

The middle level is divided by two pilasters, in line with the arch in the upper level. Each of the bay thus delineated contains a rose window, the central one the largest and the most ornate. Its frame is supported by three telamones, each standing on an animal. In the four spandrels around the rose window are the four animal symbols of the four evangelists.