Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, Alba historical timeline

Before 1483. A cathedral was already standing here in the 11th century.

1483. Andrea Novelli took possession of the diocese of Alba and found the cathedral in a strong state of degradation. He promoted its reconstruction.

1486–1517. The present cathedral was built at his will. Of the old church, only the bell tower, the three portals, the facade portico and the crypt were kept; the rest, unsafe, was demolished.

1577 and 1584. The cathedral received apostolic visits — first from Gerolamo Regazzoni, bishop of Bergamo, then from Giulio Rossino, archbishop of Amalfi. Both indicated works that had to be done to bring the church, and particularly its presbytery, into line with the dictates of the Council of Trent.

1626. After two earthquakes, the cross vault of the central nave collapsed. It was replaced in 1652.

18th and 19th centuries. Consolidation restorations, and new altars and chapels — among them the altar of san Teobaldo and that of the Santissimo Sacramento.

1867–1872. The last reshaping of the building, to a design by the Vercelli architect Edoardo Arborio Mella, with the works directed by the Alba architect Giorgio Busca and then by the engineer Giuseppe Ferria, who completed the facade in 1878.

1870. The large circular rose window was opened in place of the central single light. The same year the vaults were painted as a starry sky.

From 1871. The fresco decoration of the vaults and walls was carried out, by several different artists.

2007–2009. A new presbytery was made at the foot of the staircase leading to the ancient one.

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