Italy in Photos

Piazza Duomo, 18100 Imperia IM, Italy (August 2020)

Duomo di San Maurizio

The Duomo di San Maurizio, also known as the Basilica of San Maurizio, is the most important religious monument in Imperia and one of the largest churches in Liguria. Located in the district of Porto Maurizio, it dominates the skyline with its monumental neoclassical façade, standing as a powerful symbol of the city’s faith, history, and artistic ambition. Dedicated to Saint Maurice, a Roman soldier and Christian martyr, the cathedral reflects both the devotion of the local population and their desire to create a landmark that would rival the great churches of Italy.

Construction of the Duomo began in 1781 under the design of Gaetano Cantoni, inspired by the neoclassical ideals of harmony, grandeur, and rationality. The work continued for several decades, involving multiple architects and local patrons, until its completion in 1838. The result is a building of impressive proportions: the basilica stretches nearly 70 meters in length, making it the largest church in Liguria. Its sheer scale was intended to showcase the civic pride and prosperity of Porto Maurizio, which in those years was an influential centre along the Riviera di Ponente.

The exterior of the Duomo is striking for its classical inspiration. The grand façade is framed by Corinthian columns and crowned by a triangular pediment, recalling the forms of ancient temples while projecting the solemnity of Christian worship. Its white stone gleams under the Ligurian sun, visible from land and sea alike, establishing the church as a beacon for both residents and travellers arriving by water.

Inside, the Duomo offers a vast, luminous space structured around three naves. The neoclassical style continues in the interior decoration, with harmonious arches, columns, and altars that convey a sense of balance and elegance. Numerous chapels are dedicated to different saints, while the main altar is reserved for San Maurizio, the church’s patron. Frescoes, statues, and liturgical furnishings enrich the interior, bearing witness to the artistic contributions of local and regional masters.

Beyond its architectural splendour, the Duomo di San Maurizio has long been a centre of religious and civic life. It hosts solemn liturgies, feast days, and musical performances, reinforcing its role as both a sacred and cultural institution. For visitors, the cathedral offers not only an encounter with faith but also a chance to admire one of the finest neoclassical monuments in Liguria. Towering above Porto Maurizio, the Duomo remains a proud emblem of Imperia’s identity, blending spirituality, history, and art into a single majestic whole.