Monopoli Cathedral

Monopoli Cathedral is a baroque religious building in the Italian coastal town of Monopoli, distinguished by its white limestone facade with ornate decorations, twin bell towers, and a central rose window above the main entrance. The interior is divided into eight side chapels that house artworks and religious objects.

The original structure dates to 1107 and took its distinctive character from a remarkable event in 1117, when a raft carrying a Byzantine icon drifted into Monopoli's harbor. This extraordinary arrival transformed the site's significance and turned it into an important destination for pilgrims.

The cathedral houses the Byzantine icon of Madonna della Madia, crowned by papal decree in 1770, displayed in a dedicated marble chapel with colorful decorations that draws pilgrims and devotees. This sacred image remains central to the town's spiritual life and shapes how locals and visitors experience the building.

The church is open daily for visitors, with access to the main prayer space and side chapels during standard hours. An archaeological crypt beneath the building offers further insights into the site's history and is sometimes available for guided exploration.

The eight side chapels contain notable artworks, including paintings by Pietro Bardellino and a series depicting the miraculous arrival of the Madonna's raft. This artistic collection visually narrates the legendary event that founded the church in visual form.