Three XI-century portals open up in the lower section of the plain façade. The upper section is decorated by a rose window with an arched lintel lavishly decorated with monsters and imaginary creatures. Inside, the church has one nave and two aisles divided by sixteen pillars holding huge arches. The crypt preserves, in the altar, the relics of San Sabino and the icon of the Madonna Odegitria, which, as a probably groundless tradition goes, was taken there in the VII century. Originally, the vestry, or Trulla, may have been a baptistry. The curial palace adjacent to the Cathedral hosts the Diocesan Museum.
A Brief History:
The church was erected between the XII and the XIII century on an earlier place of worship; at the right of the transept, traces of the original floor, laid under the nave, are still visible. At first it had been dedicated to the Virgin of Constantinople, Vergine Odegitria, then to San Sabino, bishop of Canosa, when his relics were moved to Bari. During the eighteenth century, baroque features were added to the façade, the interior of the nave and aisles, the interior of the Trulla and the crypt. The original Romanesque appearance was brought back in the second half of last century.
Not to be missed:
The relics of San Sabino and the icon of the Madonna Odegitria, painted, as the tradition goes, by Saint Luke.
Style:
The cathedral shows the typical features of the Romanesque style.
Sources: A cura della redazione Updated on: 30/06/2010
Project created in collaboration with InnovaPuglia.
Regione Puglia
Regione Puglia