The cathedral of Canosa

The cathedral of Canosa is of ancient origins; perhaps, it dates back to the VI century AD (like Holy Mary’s church). The medieval building, that is still visible after the 19th-century enlargement, shows a Latin cross-shaped plan, three naves and five domes. Even though these traits have always been ascribed to its remaking made in the Longobard age, during Arechi II’s dukedom (dating back to the end of the VIII century), when it was consecrated to Saint John and Saint Paul, they , at the same time, recall the church-style of Costantinople. The building seems to swing between two different styles: the Longobard West and the Byzantine East. On the 1st of August in 800, Pietro Grimoaldo, the bishop, transferred here, from the old St. Peter’s cathedral, St.Sabine’s holy relics, to whom the church was finally consecrated by the Normans in 1102 to. In 1118 this church achieved the name of «Palatine Basilica of the Normans». Inside, visitors can admire precious finds belonged to the Roman-imperial Canusium: six monumental monolithic verd-antique columns, Corinthian capitals, marbles. Two other marvellous Romanesque 11th-century sculptures seem to swing between the Norman-style West and the Islamic-style East: the pulpit of Acceptus (1050) and Romualdus’s throne (1079-1089). The throne recalls the memorable events of Saracen emirs’ thrones: the monumental seat, decorated with eagles, leonine masks, gryphons and sphinxes, is supported by two splendid marble elephants.