Photos

Another picture of this marvelous church taken during night.

Trani Cathedral is perhaps the finest and most celebrated example of Apulian Romanesque architecture. Its stunning setting in a lovely wide-open square directly overlooking the sea has no doubt added to its allure. The façade faces the Swabian Castle, while the apses direct the eye towards the charming little harbour. Construction of the cathedral began at the end of the 12th century and continued for more than one hundred years. The tall imposing bell tower which rises up beside the cathedral was built in the 13th century. The cathedral, which was built on the site of an existing church dedicated to Our Lady and where the relics of San Leucio were once kept, was dedicated to the new patron saint of Trani, San Nicola Pellegrino, a young poverty-stricken Greek who died on the steps of the old church.
The interior is simple but full of charm. One of the two subterranean churches is dedicated to the cult of Our Lady, and is divided into three low columned naves. On the same level is the crypt, the most evocative element of the sanctuary, located below the transept and apse area of the main church. The crypt was built to house the body of San Nicola and is supported by 28 small columns supporting 36 cross vaults, as well as those of the main apse.
The apses themselves, which constitute one of the most distinctive external features, rise up from the floor of the crypt to almost reach the cornice of the transept. The interior of the main church is divided into three aisles by a series of double columns supporting round arches. The stringcourse cornices lead to two wide artificial matronei, galleries once reserved for women, which open out onto the central nave. The apses contain large windows, the biggest of which is richly decorated.
The broad, airy transept presents a rather unusual aspect, unadorned and fronted by a tall arch. A ceiling of wooden beams and trusses covers the central nave and transept, while the side aisles are covered by cross vaults. From the exterior a number of single-light windows and two side rose windows light the transept. The façade and delightful main portal are reached by a double flight of steps which meet on a small terrace leading into the church. Of great interest are the sculpted lions, displaying two entirely different moods: hostility towards a demon figure and protectiveness towards a human figure. The portal is flanked on either side by four blind arches, all that now remain of a loggia demolished in the 18th century. Above, three windows and a splendid rose window surrounded by various animal and imaginary figures dominate the façade.


Hope you'll enjoy it.