On September 17, 1314, the forces of Cangrande I della Scala destroyed the ancient parish church of Abano Terme during the war between Paduan Guelphs and Vicenza. Only the base of the Gothic bell tower survived the attack. Construction of the current Cathedral of St. Lawrence Martire began on May 15, 1780, based on plans by architect Domenico Cerato, but the work progressed slowly and final consecration took place in 1935.
What to see
The exterior features a Neo-Romanesque facade designed in 1967 by Efrem Ferrari of Trento, which replaced an ill-fitting Neoclassical version built in 1905. It includes a iron portal by Treviso artist Toni Benetton and four sculptures by Luigi Strazzabosco depicting the symbols of the Evangelists. Resting directly on the entrance steps is a white marble wellhead (*vera da pozzo*), reminding visitors of the town's mineral spring heritage. To the left stands the Gothic bell tower: its lowest five meters are made of trachite stone dating to the original 10th-century structure, while the upper section was rebuilt in 1314 under the patronage of the Mocenigo family.
Inside, the single-nave hall holds six side altars. Positioned on the counter-facade are statues of Faith and Hope carved by Domenico and Tommaso Allio, salvaged from the demolished church of Sant'Agostino in Padua before 1822 by Archpriest Gaspare Motti. The interior houses notable artwork, including a 17th-century St. John the Baptist by Alessandro Maganza, Antonio Zanchi's St. Joseph with the Infant Jesus, Bartolomeo Litterini's 1712 Scourging of Christ, and two canvases by Pitocchetto depicting Christ in Glory with Saints and St. Lawrence. In a presbytery niche sits a grand pipe organ built by the Tamburini firm in 1967, expanded in 1975 under organist Wolfango Dalla Vecchia, and fully restored in 1999 by Diego Bonato, housing 3,600 pipes and 48 registers.
Visiting
As the primary parish church of Abano Terme, the cathedral welcomes visitors into its main hall to view its side altars and historic statuary. Music enthusiasts can observe the presbytery's 3,600-pipe organ, complete with its original 1975 console.
Our editors' tip
Before stepping through the main doors, examine the white marble wellhead installed on the access steps, a tangible link to Abano Terme's ancient water culture.