The Cathedral of San Cataldo is Taranto’s main Church. It was built in the 11th Century and houses the relics of the city’s patron saint, who was also one of its first bishops. The building was modified later. The façade is baroque but the cupola shows proof of Byzantine influence. The church is divided internally into three naves separated by columns with capitals of different origins. The mosaic floor, similar to the one in Otranto, and the chapel of San Cataldo where the saint’s relics are preserved, with a superb series of frescoes dating from 1713 painted by Paolo de Matteis are noteworthy features. A small cruciform byzantine-era crypt below the transept holds the tombs of several bishops of Taranto.
A Brief History:
St. Cataldo, Bishop of Rachau, was born in Ireland at the beginning of the 7th century. He died in Taranto and was buried in its first cathedral, which was later destroyed by the Saracens. The body of the saint was found during the reconstruction of the church in 1094 and deposited in a side chapel of the transept.
Not to be missed:
A feast is held in Taranto from the 08th to the 10th of May every year in honour of the city’s patron saint, St. Cataldo, a 7th century Irish monk. The celebrations start when the statue of St. Cataldo is handed to the mayor during the “d'u pregge” (privilege) ceremony. A boat race is then held between boat teams representing the different districts of the city.
Sources: A cura della Redazione Updated on: 19/07/2010
Project created in collaboration with InnovaPuglia.
Regione Puglia
Regione Puglia