[6] The basilica of St Felix Martyr was built by Bishop Paulinus of Nola in the late 4th or early 5th century.

[7] Paulinus is traditionally credited with the introduction of bells into Christian ritual, whence two major medieval forms became known as nolas and campanas.

(Paulinus's body was removed to the neighboring Diocese of Benevento in 839, traded to the emperor Otto III in 1000, and finally restored to Nola in 1909.)

In 1370, Bishop Francesco Scaccani began construction of the present Gothic cathedral, which was completed by Gian Antonio Boccarelli in 1469.

The cathedral was administered and serviced by a Chapter, composed of four dignities (the Dean, the Archdeacon, the Treasurer, and the Cantor) and sixteen Canons.