Chiesa S. Maria della Consolazione

The Cathedral of Lacedonia. Ancient Diocesan Cathedral, rebuilt and enlarged several times. The current building, dedicated to Santa Maria della Consolazione (the Cathedral of Lacedonia has always been dedicated to the Mother of God) is decidedly grandiose and preserves various works of art. From 30 September 1986, by decree of Cardinal Bernardin Gantin (now deceased), then Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for Bishops, Roman Curia, under the mandate of Pope John Paul II, the Diocese of Lacedonia was merged with the neighboring one of Ariano Irpino, and Monsignor Nicola Agnozzi, of the Conventual Friars of San Francesco, then Bishop of both Ariano Irpino and Lacedonia, was appointed by Pope John Paul II as the first Bishop of the new Diocese of Ariano Irpino-Lacedonia. The Cathedral of Ariano Irpino, where the official seat of the new Diocese was established by Cardinal Gantin, had the title, rank and function of the Main Cathedral of the newly established Ecclesiastical District, while the Cathedral of Lacedonia had the title, rank and functions of co-cathedral, that is of secondary Cathedral of the Diocese itself. The Cathedral of Lacedonia is awarded the title of Basilica "ad instar" of the Basilicas of Rome, as well as the Cathedral of Ariano Irpino is also decorated with this Title and Dignity, among all Insignissimi. The Concathedral Basilica of Santa Maria della Consolazione, Cathedral of Lacedonia, is a marvel to visit, in the heart of the historic town nestled in the Irpinia Mountains, in one of the most intact and therefore most beautiful natural areas in all of Italy.