Lucciana Cathedral: A Romanesque Church and Former Episcopal Seat in France
Site at a Glance
- Rating
- 4.3
- Popularity
- Low
- Country
- France
- Primary era
- Medieval
- Eras represented
- Medieval, Early Modern
- Civilizations
- Republic of Pisa
- Site type
- Religious
- Remains
- Cathedral
On this page7 sections
History
Lucciana Cathedral, also known as La Canonica or Santa Maria Assunta, is a former Catholic cathedral in Lucciana, France. Built in the Romanesque period chiefly during the late eleventh and early twelfth centuries, it was dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and became the medieval seat of the Diocese of Mariana.
Mariana and the early diocese
The cathedral is associated with Mariana, an ancient Roman colony founded in 93 BC by Gaius Marius, a Roman general and statesman. Christianity was established at Mariana by the late fourth century, when a Christian complex was built there. The Diocese of Mariana emerged during the fifth century, placing it among Corsica’s earliest dioceses.
Foundation and medieval episcopal history
The cathedral was founded at the site called La Canonica during the eleventh century and was consecrated in 1119 by the Archbishop of Pisa. Corsican tradition attributes its construction in honor of the Virgin Mary to Hugh Colonna after a victory over the Saracens. In 1092, the Diocese of Mariana became a suffragan see of the Archdiocese of Pisa, meaning that its bishop belonged to the ecclesiastical province led by the metropolitan archbishop. In 1130, it was transferred to the ecclesiastical province of Genoa with the dioceses of Accia and Nebbio.
The bishop of Mariana used the cathedral as his seat from 1269 until 1440, when the episcopal seat moved to the pro-cathedral at Vescovato. Pope Pius IV merged Mariana and Accia in 1563, and both dioceses were suppressed in 1570 in favor of the Diocese of Bastia.
Later status and recognition
The Concordat of 1801 brought Corsica’s dioceses together within the Diocese of Ajaccio, ending Mariana’s independent diocesan status. Prosper Mérimée, the French writer and inspector of historic monuments, listed the church after his journey through Corsica in 1886. A decree of 12 July 1886 classified it as a French monument historique. Since 2002, the cathedral has served as the seat of the titular Bishop of Mariana, whose title belongs to a former diocese without giving him residential authority over it.
Remains
Romanesque church
Lucciana Cathedral is a Romanesque basilica, a church plan organized around a central nave with lower side spaces. The building dates chiefly from the late eleventh and early twelfth centuries, and its twelfth-century nave remains well preserved. Its Romanesque character is expressed through sturdy masonry, rounded arches, and relatively massive forms. The church has been renovated while retaining the harmonious arrangement associated with its medieval structure.
Alterations and works of art
The rear of the high altar was reconstructed according to Gothic principles, introducing features associated with the later medieval style of pointed arches and more vertical design. The facade was probably remodeled during the Renaissance. The cathedral also contains a statue of Saint Devota presented by Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 2003. Saint Devota is venerated as the patron saint of Corsica and Monaco. A large bronze Christ by the contemporary painter and sculptor Marie-Claude Sei Dominici is installed inside the church.
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