An Italian Site to be Visited!
Cathedral of Bari (in Italian-cathedral di Bari) is the seat of the Archbishop Bari Bitonto. Though it is less famous than the Basilica of st. Nicholas it has kept its name with prestige. In 9th century relics of saint Sabina (a bishop of canosa) were brought and this cathedral was dedicated to him. Previously, this cathedral of Bari was dedicated to Virgin Mary. The main building of the Cathedral of Bari was built during the late 12th century and lath 13th century. In 6th century the bishop Saint Marinus was elevated to an archbishop. And from that period a cathedral was needed. A mosaic pavement of the cathedral bears the name of Bishop Andréa. During the first half of the 11th century an archbishop ordered to build a new church. This work was finished by his successor’s named Nicola 1 and Andrea 2. The reconstruction of the cathedral was begun at the end of the 12th century by archbishop Rainaldo. This new cathedral was built according to the style of Basilica of St. Nicholas. According to the style it is an important model Apulia Romanesque. The in front of the building has three entrances. The interior and the exterior design of the cathedral are excellent. The inside of the cathedral is divided into three passages of sixteen columns with arcades.
An Italian Site to be Visited!
The relics of Saint Sabina (bishop of Canosa) are preserved in the crypt. Saint Angelaurius (bishop of Canosa) brought these relics of Saint Sabina. He rescued those relics when Saracens destroyed that city. There are two sarcophagi means stone coffin. One of them contains the relics of Saint Columba. There is a sanctuary with a painting which marks Saint Maurus may be. During the first century he was the first bishop of Bari. Diocesan museum is near the cathedral, this museum is also famous because there is a display of Exultet. This Exultet is a very valuable manuscript of Byzantine origin. And this valuable manuscript is nicely illuminated.
