Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Trani
POP 53,900
Known as the 'Pearl of Puglia', beautiful Trani has a sophisticated feel, particularly in
summer when well-heeled visitors pack the array of marinaside bars. The marina is the
place to promenade and watch the white yachts and fishing boats in the harbour, while the
historic centre, with its medieval churches, glossy limestone streets and faded yet charm-
ing
palazzi
(mansions) is an enchanting area to explore. But it's the cathedral, pale against
the deep-blue sea, that is the town's most arresting sight.
Sights
CATHEDRAL
Cathedral
(Piazza del Duomo; 9am-12.30pm & 3-6.30pm)
The dramatic seafront cathedral is dedicated
to St Nicholas the Pilgrim, famous for being foolish. The Greek Christian wandered
through Puglia, crying '
Kyrie eleison'
(Greek for 'Lord, have mercy'). First thought to be
a simpleton, he was revered after his death (aged 19) after several miracles attributed to
him occurred.
Construction of the cathedral started in 1097 on the site of a Byzantine church and com-
pleted in the 13th century. The magnificent original bronze doors (now displayed inside)
were cast by Barisano da Trani, an accomplished 12th-century artisan.
The interior of the cathedral reflects typical Norman simplicity and is lined by colon-
nades. Near the main altar are the remains of a 12th-century floor mosaic, stylistically
similar to that in Otranto. Below the church is the crypt, a forest of ancient columns where
the bones of St Nicholas are kept beneath the altar. You can also visit the
campanile
(bell
tower; admission €3)
.
Castle
( 0883 50 66 03;
www.castelloditrani.beniculturali.it
; Piazza Manfredi 16; admission €3;
8.30am-7.30pm)
Two hundred metres north of the cathedral is Trani's other major landmark,
the vast, almost modernist Swabian castle built by Frederick II in 1233. Charles V later
strengthened the fortifications; it was used as a prison from 1844 to 1974.
CASTLE
Ognissanti Church
CHURCH
