The building has a basilican layout divided into a nave and two aisles by two rows of columns connected with arcades. The aisles and transept cross in a genuinely Romanesque cross vault. Twelfth-century Apulian architecture and sculpture can also be found reflected in its full-centre arcades with crescent-shaped double-ring profiles ending on filling marble columns with finely carved capitals in Corinthian style, only one of which at the centre of left colonnade is decorated with four men naked to the waist. The crypt is particularly interesting. Atypical hall structure divided into forty-five square bays by several columns supporting reused ancient, Byzantine, early-medieval and contemporary capitals, the most interesting of which are decorated with witty representations of animals and human busts.
A Brief History:
This cathedral was founded immediately after the Norman conquer of 1070. Its Medieval layout was severely damaged during the siege of Turk army led by Great Suleiman in 1480, thanks to which the city was conquered. Memories of this siege, which caused the massacre of eight hundred people in one day, are still kept in the Martyrs' Chapel, where human remains of victims are displayed in cases. However, the building suffered even more severe damages the following year, when Alfonso of Aragon's army destroyed its Medieval façade. Further changes were made during Baroque age, but these were removed during the restoration works carried out in 1800s.
Main Works:
A beautiful mosaic floor - commissioned to priest Pantaleone by archbishop Jonata in 1165 - certainly is the most appealing work to be found in this building. The nave includes scenes from the Old Testament, while several scenes from Prophet Jonah's stories are painted in the conch. Among these, Alexander's Ascension welcomes visitors at the entrance.
Style:
This church is characterized by a gable façade with a baroque portal.
Sources: By the editorial staff Updated on: 27/07/2011
Project created in collaboration with InnovaPuglia.
Regione Puglia
Regione Puglia