Teramo Cathedral

Teramo Cathedral (Italian: Duomo di Teramo, Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta) is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Teramo, Abruzzo, central Italy, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and to Saint Berardo, patron saint of the city. It is the seat of the Bishop of Teramo-Atri. Built in Romanesque-Gothic style, it was consecrated in 1176.

The church was begun in 1158, by order of bishop Guido II of Teramo, in order to house the relics of Saint Berardo after the destruction of the former cathedral of Teramo, Santa Maria Aprutensis, by Robert of Loritello in 1155.

The edifice was finished in Romanesque style and consecrated in 1176. It had a nave and two aisles and a raised presbytery. Most likely it also had an external narthex. Part of the stone was taken from the nearby Roman theatre and amphitheatre; part of the latter was demolished to house the church.

In 1331-1335 bishop Niccolò degli Arcioni had the building extensively modified. The northern part was extended, starting from the three apses, which were removed. The new section was slightly misaligned. The addition was in Gothic style with slender ogival arcades, and is located at the same level as the old presbytery. It has a separate façade with a blind door. A new portal was also added, decorated with Cosmatesque mosaics, dated 1332 and signed by the Roman master Deodato. The portal is flanked by two columns supported by lions; they in turn support two statues, one of the Angel of the Annunciation, the other of the Virgin; both are attributed to Nicola da Guardiagrele. In the middle of the architrave is Niccolò degli Arcioni's coat of arms, between those of Atri and Teramo. The current shape of the new façade, and the Ghibelline merlons, are most likely later additions. In the late 15th century a triangular Gothic tympanum was placed over the portal, housing niches with statues. On the right is the large bell tower.

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