The Cathedral of Bari is consecrated in honor of Saint Sabinus. It is located in the center of the old quarter of Bari. The Cathedral was built in 1171 on the site of an older Basilica, and consecrated in 1292. It is the seat of the Bishop of Bari-Bitonto.
Saint Sabinus is a Catholic Saint. In the 6th century, he was a Bishop in Canosa di Puglia. It is a small town in Apulia, 70 kilometers North of Bari. In 844, his relics were moved to the Cathedral of Bari, and are now stored in the altar.
In the 18th century, the Cathedral of Bari was reconstructed in the Baroque style. However, in the 20th century, all the features of the Baroque style were removed. Today, the Cathedral of Saint Sabinus appears to us in its original Romanesque style. The Cathedral and the Basilica of St. Nicholas are similar in appearance, since they were built at the same time.
In the center of the main facade, you can see a large rosette surrounded by sculptures of mythical creatures. There are also many sculptures on the roof slopes of the side aisles: lions, donkeys, horses, boars, bears, monkeys, and griffins. There are even more of them here than at the Basilica of St. Nicholas. The main portal above the entrance to the Cathedral is the only thing that remains of the Baroque style, when the Cathedral was reconstructed in the 18th century.
The Seminary building is attached to the South side of the Cathedral. On the North side of the Cathedral is attached a round building called Trullo. By analogy with the huts of Trullo of Alberobello. Previously it served as a baptistery, but then it was placed in the vestry. Behind it is the bell tower of the Cathedral, the tallest building in Bari.
The interior of the Cathedral is divided by 16 columns into three naves. The interior looks very austere. In the crypt of the altar is a sarcophagus with the relics of Saint Sabinus, which in 844 was brought to Bari by Saint Angelarius from Canosa di Puglia. Also to the crypt you can see the icon of the Madonna of Odigitria, according to legend, written by the Evangelist Luke.
