Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul (Sovana Cathedral)

The cathedral, dedicated to St. Peter and Paul, is located at the western end of Sovana. The cathedral is the most important monument of the Middle Ages in Sovana. It is a rare example of a cathedral in the Romanesque-Gothic style of great artistic value. The cathedral is decorated with decorative stone carvings. The interior is characterized by unique, yet harmonious architectural forms. The first construction phase probably started as early as the 9th century. The church was already standing in the 11th century, as a papal bull of Nicholas II shows. The appearance of the cathedral was changed in the course of the 12th to 14th centuries. The portal on the long side of the church is made of marble and consists of a first, outer arch, in the upper half of which the soul of a person ascending to heaven is depicted. In the middle of the arch there are two stylized lion heads that are supposed to guard the cathedral and in the lower part there are various symbolic motifs. The interior of the cathedral is divided by a series of massive, cross-shaped, two-tone columns on which the cross vault of the central nave rests. Particularly interesting are the sculptures on the upper part of the capitals, which are attributed to the Lombard school of the 11th century. Biblical scenes are depicted there. In an urn on the altar are the remains of S. Mamiliano, the patron saint of Sovana. The Etruscan Acropolis was presumably located where the cathedral is today. Source: Wikipedia

Rather plain from the outside, the interior of the Romanesque cathedral (9th and 11th centuries) is definitely worth a visit, with its nave featuring massive cruciform columns, partially decorated capitals, remnants of frescoes, and the pretty crypt.Admission is €2.00, with an adjoining bookshop.The church is closed from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.