We have brought here together the most magnificent basilicas of Puglia to give you some destination inspiration, whether it is your first time in this magnificent Italian region or if you have been here before.
Rich in history and full of architecturally-impressive sights, Puglia as well as the rest of Italy is home to numerous religious sites such as basilicas, churches, shrines, cathedrals and chapels. Here are the 5 most beautiful basilicas of Puglia we recommend to visit:
1. Basilica Santa Caterina d’Alessandria
Going from south to north of Puglia, the Basilica di Santa Caterina in Galatina definitely is worth a visit.
If you choose to stay in the magnificent Villa Rosina, you will be just few miles away from this beautiful city and its marvellous basilica.
Made in the Romanesque-Gothic style, the holy building attracts thousands of people coming from everywhere to admire its façade and its precious interior frescoes. The most valuable fresco in the basilica is probably the imposing Scenes of Apocalypse.
2. Basilica di Santa Croce
The Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of Holy Cross), made in the Baroque style, stands out among the infinite number of churches in Lecce.
Select the gorgeous Masseria Linda as your holiday accommodation and you will be close to this unmissable city of Puglia.
The Basilica of Santa Croce has a richly decorated façade that will charm you by its rich columns, different kind of figures, animals and atlantes and the amazing rose window.
The plan of the church is developed into the so-called Latin Cross. The interior has three aisles of columns, a wooden ceiling, seventeen graceful altars and two chapels.
Discover more amazing places to visit in Lecce here.
3. Basilica di San Nicola
Bari, in the Puglia region, is dotted with plentiful places of interest to visit. Among them, the Romanesque Basilica di San Nicola (Basilica of Saint Nicholas), dedicated to the patron saint of the city, has a main role.
Towering in the heart of Bari’s old town, the basilica looks more like a castle than a church. The sacred place is an important pilgrimage destination both for Catholic and Orthodox Christians.
Among the treasures of its interior, the most remarkable are: a bishop’s throne (cathedra), a precious mosaic pavement, the relics of St. Nicholas and the tomb of Bona Sforza.
4. Basilica del Santo Sepolcro
The basilica del Santo Sepolcro (Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre) is one of the most important churches in Barletta, with a charm of antiqueness and overwhelming spirituality.
It is divided into three aisles and holds some works of great historical value, such as a glazed dove from the 12th century, a breviary of the 13th century and a relic of the holy cross.
In the Middle Ages the Basilica was an important centre for pilgrims to Jerusalem. Visiting the place, you can’t miss the terrific bronze statue of Barletta’s Colossus.
5. Basilica cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta
The Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria in Lucera, in the province of Foggia, is an example of the Gothic architectural style, which is rare enough for Puglia.
It was erected in 1302 by the order of Carlo II d’Angiò, king of Naples, after the Christian faith was restored in this Apulian town in 1300. The influence of French Gothic cathedrals’ style is absolutely evident in the basilica.
It houses the miraculous icon of St. Mary Patroness of Lucera, a wooden crucifix dating back to 1300 and the relics of Beato Agostino Casotti.
So if you feel like to explore religious sites of Puglia, come to see these five imposing basilicas, a great choice to begin with your spiritual sightseeing tour from Galatina, in the south, to Lucera, in the north of Puglia!
