Cathedral of Bitonto

The Cathedral of Bitonto is a Romanesque church in the southern Italian town of Bitonto, distinguished by its three-part western facade featuring carved doorways, mullioned windows, and a central rose window decorated with animal figures. The building displays the characteristic design of Romanesque architecture with carefully proportioned stone walls and ornamental details across its facade.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1087 and covered an earlier Christian church whose remains were discovered beneath the current structure during excavations. This layering shows how the site served as a religious location over many centuries as architectural styles changed and evolved.

The marble ambo from 1229 displays intricate carved patterns and religious scenes that reflect the skill of medieval stonemasons working in the Apulian region. Visitors can observe the craftsmanship up close and see how much care went into creating these detailed carvings.

The building sits in central Bitonto and is accessible during regular visiting hours since it functions as an active religious center for the Archdiocese of Bari-Bitonto. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and be respectful, as the space continues to serve worshippers and people coming for private prayer.

The crypt holds an ancient tile decorated with a griffin, a direct connection to the early church that occupied this ground before the current building was constructed. These fragments reveal how earlier builders selected ornamental designs with the same care that later craftspeople would employ.