The Cathedral of Barletta can undoubtedly be described as a great museum housing a millennia-old local history visible in the richness of its architectural and artistic details. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, located in the oldest part of Barletta’s city center, was built at the beginning of the 10th century over the remains of an ancient early Christian basilica dating back to the 6th century AD and a hypogeum structure from the 3rd century BC. The proto-Romanesque basilica, flanked by noble palaces and other buildings, stands majestically with its façade facing a square in front. Architecturally, the building consists of two distinct styles: the first Romanesque, clearly visible at the front, with a façade divided by tall pilasters, a tympanum, and flying arches; and the latter, developing with a higher and wider rear architectural extension, typically Gothic. Inside, the Cathedral houses precious and ancient paintings and frescoes, numerous works in gold, bronze, and brass. Noteworthy are the sculptural works from different periods. The Cathedral of Barletta also contains an underground museum where visitors can admire catacombs, carved tombstones, and ancient mosaics.
Information about the Cathedral Museum of Barletta
Piazza Duomo,
70051 Barletta (Barletta-Andria-Trani)
0883345522
Source: MIBACT
