Yesterday I wrote about the Cathedral of St. Matthew here in Salerno. It is indeed a beautiful building from the 11th century. What is an even greater treasure to the city though, is the stunning crypt beneath the Duomo. For here lies the relics of one of the 12 apostles, Saint Matthew.
Oh how I wish I had better camera equipment to show you this splendid place. Alas, I only have my old iphone, so please excuse the quality of these photographs.
Entrances
On the day I visited the Duomo and explored the cathedral, two entrances to the crypt were open. If you walk inside the door of the cathedral, simply make your way up either the left or right side, and you will see signs about 2/3 the way, for entrance to the crypt.
Descend the staircases and enter a place that is astonishingly exquisite.
The Crypt
I had seen photo’s online before my visit. So, I knew this was going to be amazing. Purposely visiting right when the Duomo opened, I headed straight for the crypt. I wanted the experience of being the only person down inside this special place.
Reaching the bottom of the stairs and looking ahead, I was overwhelmed. My eyes could not comprehend the stunning beauty that they were witness to.
Every inch of the walls is covered with coloured marble inlay. There are two main halls on either side with beautiful baroque arches at regular intervals.
The ceiling is painted with numerous frescoes about St. Matthews life and the history of Salerno. These paintings are simply incredible.
St. Matthews Relics
At the centre of the crypt is a further staircase. It was not roped off, so I went down. Right at the front, below the altar is a gold cross with a glass panel behind it. Looking through the glass, I could see the ancient burial tomb stone in which St. Matthews relics laid rest for one thousand years.
Further Exploration
Ascending back up to the main area of the crypt, I went towards the rear. Here I found a wall of what looks like a vault of remains. Again, this was not roped off so I was able to approach these windowed vaults and peer inside at the various jars and urns.
On one side of the crypt, about mid way, is an interesting place. It is another altar type area, but looking down at the floor, I could see an open grated grill. Peering through the small openings, I saw three white marble cases deep down below. Each was wrapped and sealed with red ribbon and red wax.
You cannot fathom how amazing this experience was, roaming this huge cavernous space, completely alone. After being down here for about 20 minutes, a tour group descended and I made my exit. I went back up to the cathedral and it was then that I explored that beautiful space.
The splendour that I saw this day will stay with me for a long time. Feeling like the only person on earth, even for that brief moment in time, was surreal. I have no words for the stunning beauty of this holy place.
