Cathedral of San Sabino in Bari

To the south of Bari sits the church of St. Sabinus, originally built in 1034, but destroyed just over a hundred years later when Bari itself was sacked and razed to the ground by eastern invaders.  The original cathedral was built in the Byzantine style, before out of its ruins emerged one of the most important examples of Romanesque churches in the whole of Apulia, which was most recently restored in the 1950s.  

In the crypt of this impressive building, which is only a short drive to the south from Bari town centre, can be found the icon of the Madonna Odigitria a holy artwork said to have been painted by St Luke, and which has become the patron image of Bari.  With this and many other ancient relics on display, the Cathedral of San Sabino is a striking reminder of Bari’s rich and varied history, and presents the visitor with a plethora of imposing architectural features as well as a fascinating collection of relics and works of art.