The cathedral of Vibo Valentia, or the cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore and San Leoluca is one of the most beautiful monuments to see on holiday in Calabria. The cathedral of Vibo Valentia stands directly in Piazza San Leoluca, on the remains of an ancient Byzantine basilica of the ninth century, which was destroyed due to earthquakes that in the past devastated the city. Inside there are numerous works of art from different eras, such as the A. Gagini statuary of the Renaissance.
The construction of the cathedral started in 1680 was completed after 1723. The project involved a much larger structure than the current one, but the constant insistence by the neighboring Dominican fathers led to the downsizing of the final structure.The facade of the Cathedral of Vibo Valentia on the square is mainly Baroque, with some references to the Renaissance style. The central facade is flanked by two lateral bell towers, one on the right the other on the left. The frames and friezes that adorn the central portal and the window placed above it are the main plastic elements. The two bell towers, however, are adorned with niches and frames.
The church has a Latin cross with a single nave and transept. The dome, destroyed by a terrible earthquake, was demolished and never rebuilt. Only the drum with circular windows remains of the dome and is replaced by a vaulted roof. White stuccos adorn the internal walls of the Cathedral of Vibo Valentia.There are several priceless works of art that deserve to be visited, such as the high altar of the 18th century where there is a Renaissance-era statue, the Madonna della Neve. Inside the church there is an organ pipe opus 413, made in 1894. The Renaissance triptych of Gagini is undoubtedly the most important work, consisting of an architectural frame in dark marble with Corinthian columns and three niches, at the inside which are exposed the statues of the Madonna delle Grazie, of San Giovanni Evangelista and the statue of Santa Maria Maddalena.