Basilica Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Sabino

Nice atmosphere around the place

Overrated.. probably nice to pray in, but wouldn't call it a tourist attraction. The most interesting thing was the crypt with the lady mummy in it

The current building, which dates from the 12th and 13th centuries and probably towards the end of the thirteenth century, was built, at the behest of Archbishop Rainaldo, on the ruins of the Byzantine cathedral destroyed by William I called the Malo (1156), of which it is still possible to observe on the right of the transept part of the original floor that extends under the central nave. Even before the Byzantine cathedral, also due to the presence of the Diocese of Bari, which in fact dates back at least to the fifth century, when the participation of Bishop Concordio in the Roman Council of 465 is attested, there was an ancient episcopal church dating from around the sixth century, whose remains are found under the central nave, as suggested by one of the floor mosaics containing an inscription in which the name of Bishop Andrea (758-761) appears. Structured with three naves, with square pillars and cross vaults built with stone blocks placed in a herringbone pattern, it was probably in the place where the crypt of the current cathedral, the episcopate of Santa Maria, stands. It confirms the existence of the foundations of an apsidal building whose axis had to be placed slightly oblique to that of the current cathedral. In place of this episcopal church, in the first half of the 11th century the archbishop Bisanzio (1025-1035) had a new church built, which was later completed by his successors Nicola I (1035-1061) and Andrea II (1061-1068), his successors . This church was then destroyed by William the Bad during the destruction of the entire city in 1156 during which only the Basilica of St. Nicholas was spared. For the work of the current building materials from the previous church and other destroyed buildings were used. Consecrated on 4 October 1292, the church is inspired by the style of the Basilica of San Nicola. The building then underwent a series of renovations, demolitions and additions starting from the 18th century. During the eighteenth century, the façade, the interior of the naves, the interior of the Trulla (the ancient baptistery of the twelfth century, today the sacristy) and the crypt were rebuilt in Baroque form to a design by Domenico Antonio Vaccaro. The interior decoration was instead restored to the ancient Romanesque features in the fifties of the twentieth century.

What a contrast! The church you usually see is the Norman one, built with a Romanesque style rather simple. However, there is another world downstairs in the crypt where the byzantine church used to be. Impressive!

The Cathedral of San Sabino, which next to San Nicola are the patron of the city. The architecture is somewhat simple outside and inside. There is no ostentation, but religiosity simplicity surprises. Interesting visit in the cultural aspect, considering the construction in the Romanesque style.

Underground museum is also fine. Just 3 euro entry. I recommend to order coffee in front of this. It is italic feeling.

Very much worth the effort to visit this cathedral. Don't forget to visit the archaeological site under the cathedral...there is history to see...

Cattedrale di San Sabino: a lovely Romanesque-style church dating back to the late 12th century. While it’s widely considered the main Cathedral of Bari, it’s taken second place to the Basilica San Nicola and its compelling story of Saint Nick.