Spoleto - Duomo di Spoleto

The site, now occupied by the Duomo di Spoleto (aka "Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta"), was probably the place of an episcopal complex already in paleo-Christian times. In 956 here was the church "Santa Maria del Vescovado", that got replaced by another in 1067, dedicated to San Primiano. This church got destroyed by Barbarossa's troops, when they devastated Spoleto.

The construction of the Spoleto Cathedral begun before 1175 and was completed in 1227. Here is the large mosaic (1207) above the central rose window. It clearly has Byzantine style - and it is signed. Written below is:


"Hec est pictura quam fecit sat placitura, doctor Solsternus hac summus in arte modernus...."

"Doctor Sosternus, high (a master? an expert?) in modern art created this picture to please.."

What a self-confident artist he was!! And how "modern" was his art!!