| Dedicated to S. Maria Assunta, the cathedral is a fine example of medieval Abruzzo architecture. It was built in the second half of the 13th century on the site of an earlier Romanesque church that in turn was built on the remains of the roman baths. The rectangular façade, in istrian ashlar stone, is divided into three zone by piers. The central section features an attractive portal with rounded archivolt by Rainaldo da Atri, wich became le model of 13th century Abruzzo constructions. On the left side of the cathedral is the bell tower (1305). In 1502 the top stage was added with an octagonal tambour crowned with a cusp. The interior features a nave and two aisles broken up by acute arches on polystyle pillars, the first three pairs of wich are originals.The canonical choir features a square layout and ribbed crossvaulting. It houses an exceptional fresco cycle by Andrea De Litio (ca. 1460).The cloister is accessed from the left aisle. It dates from the early-12th century. From here a flight of stairs leads down to the reservoir wich is a Roman cistern. |