Assumption Cathedral in Dubrovnik

The Assumption Cathedral (Croatian: "Katedrala Velike Gospe", "Katedrala Marijina Uznesenja") is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Dubrovnik, Croatia. It is the seat of the Diocese of Dubrovnik [ [http://dubrovnik.hbk.hr/biskupija.php?vidi=zupe Biskupija Dubrovačka] ] .

The cathedral was built on the site of several former cathedrals, including 6th, 10th and 11th century buildings, and their 12th century successor in the Romanesque style, which was largely destroyed in the earthquake of 1667 [http://www2.tzdubrovnik.hr/english/what_to_see.php?id=1243&id_main=1185&box=9 Dubrovnik Tourist Board] ] [http://www.sacred-destinations.com/croatia/dubrovnik-cathedral.htm Sacred Destinations Travel Guide] (based on information in Frommer's)] . The current building, in the Roman Baroque style, was designed in 1713 by architect Andrea Buffalini of Urbino and constructed by local master Ilija Katičić.

The building features three high naves, three apses and a grand Baroque dome. The main altar holds a polyptych by Titian, portraying a version of the Assumption of the Virgin. This painting probably dates from 1552; the side altars hold paintings of later centuries.

The Cathedral treasury (Riznica Katedrale) holds 200 reliquaries holding relics from the 11th to 18th centuries; chiefly, the gold-plated arm, leg and skull of Saint Blaise and a relic of the True Cross.

The cathedral was damaged by at least one shell during the Siege of Dubrovnik [ [http://www.ess.uwe.ac.uk/comexpert/ANX/XI.htm Destruction of cultural property report S/1994/674/Add.2 (Vol. V) 28 December 1994, United Nations Security Council] ] . The damage has since been repaired [ [http://www.architectureweek.com/2001/0718/building_1-2.html Architecture Week, 2001, Roofs of Dubrovnik] ] .

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