Aversa: Churches, Monasteries and Sacred Art
Accommodation in Aversa
Churches, Monasteries and Medieval Architecture
Aversa’s history is particularly evident in its churches and monastery complexes. Construction of the Duomo di San Paolo began in 1050 and was completed around 1090. The cathedral has an ambulatory surrounding the choir apse, with three semicircular chapels, and is considered one of only very few examples of its kind in Italy. Those wishing to compare sacred spaces and medieval architecture will find a clear focus here for exploring Aversa.
File:Aversa - stazione ferroviaria - Intercity.jpg
Photo: Phil Richards via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
The complex of the Monastero di San Francesco delle Monache was founded between 1230 and 1235. Its church was remodelled from 1645 onwards in the elaborately decorated Baroque style and contains paintings by Jusepe de Ribera, Francesco de Mura, Pietro da Cortona and Paolo De Majo. Here, medieval origins, Baroque design and paintings by four artists come together in one place.
The Museo Diocesano is located in the medieval Norman-Swabian Duomo di San Paolo and displays artworks from the cathedral. Its collection includes architectural and sculptural finds, liturgical furnishings and reliquaries from the Duomo di San Paolo. Architecture, religious furnishings and painting are presented here in a closely interconnected context.
The Chiesa di Santa Maria a Piazza dates from the 11th century and is the oldest church in Aversa. Its original Romanesque layout was completely remodelled according to the principles of Gothic architecture after a severe earthquake from the mid-14th century onwards. For visitors interested in culture, it is therefore a particularly vivid example of the transformation of a sacred building.
The Seminario Vescovile di Aversa was founded in 1566 as a result of the provisions of the Council of Trent; its present appearance dates from a rebuilding in 1725. The Chiesa di San Domenico was founded in 1278 by Carlo I d’Angiò. The Monastero di San Biagio has a maiolica floor in the nave and presbytery dating from the early 18th century, made by the Neapolitan Giustiniani workshop. Different foundation periods, renovations and furnishing details thus characterise several of the city’s sacred sites.
The Castello Aragonese was commissioned by Alfonso I in 1470. After the arrival of the Normans, the small Benedictine monastery of Monastero di San Lorenzo developed into one of the most important abbeys in southern Italy. Both buildings complement the ecclesiastical focus with further historical testimonies.
Transport Connection and Local Sweet Speciality
The EAV metro line “Linea Arcobaleno” reached Aversa in 2009 and connects the provinces of Naples and Caserta. A local sweet speciality is the polacca aversana, a yeast pastry filled with lemon cream and sour cherries. Aversa thus combines historic architecture, sacred art and a clearly recognisable local speciality to create a diverse travel interest.
Further places for planning your trip: Annunziata, Briano, Pratella, Sessa Aurunca, Gioia Sannitica, Torre Lupara, San Castrese, Capua
For the main travel overview: Caserta.
