The Cathedral stands on the ruins of the ancient basilica that was built by the emperor Constantine.

In the crypt below the presbytery there are can still be seen some of the Ionic capitals of the early Christian basilica, that was rebuilt by Pope Leo III (795-815 A.D.) after it had been destroyed by fire.

After various vicissitudes and several alterations, such as the construction of the sacristy and a small adjoining graveyard, in 1772 Cardinal Fabrizio Paolucci had the present façade built to the design of the architect Carlo Buratti, through the rest of basilica did not assume its present-day aspect until 1913, after more than 50 yars of adaptations and restorations that were carried out with the financial contribution of the people of Albano.

In the course of these restorations a row of columns belonging to the mediaeval cathedral built by Leo III was brought to light, and the church was dedicated to St. Pancras as well as to St, John the Baptist, since both are patron saints of Albano.

The interior is neoclassical in style. It is divided into three aisles with six chapels along the sides. In the chapels, as well as in the sacristy, there are some interesting eighteenth-century paintings.

The monogram of Christ stands out in the apse above three large painting depicting the glory of St. Pancras (centre), the apparition of the Holy Cross to Constantine (right) and the finding of the Holy Cross by St. Helena (left).

In the cathedral there is a splendid, early Christian, marble sarcophagus, with a central figure in an attitude of prayer.

Not far from the cathedral, in Via A. de Gasperi, there is the charming Episcopal palace, built in 1725 by Cardinal Nicola Lercari, Secretary os State to Pope Benedict XIII.

« Catacomb of St. Senator

Church of San Pietro Apostolo »