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Trani enjoys an ideal geographic position, being at the centre of the north Bari inland and the Apulian coast. It has the unique quality of being a famous tourist centre renowned both for its rich art heritage and for its sea (lovely and clean according to the Legambiente watchdog body for the environment).
THE CATHEDRAL
Trani cathedral is perhaps the most beautiful and famous building in Apulian Romanesque style. The splendid scenario of its setting has certainly contributed to this reputation: a marvelous large square directly overlooking the sea. The façade is orientated towards the lovely Swabian castle, while the apses tower over the charming little fishing port. Building began at the end of 11th century and lasted for more than a hundred years. In the 13th century the huge, tall campanile was built beside it. Externally the cathedral has clean stone lines, but the interior is complicated owing to the history of the church itself. In fact, it was built on the site of a pre-existing church dedicated to St. Mary. The underground church is dedicated to the Marian cult and is divided into three low naves made of re-used columns. On the same level as the church of Santa Maria lies the crypt. The apses, splendidly visible from the outside, in fact begin from the ground level of this crypt, to reach up almost as far as the transept moldings. The main church has developed strongly both in height and in length and is divided into three naves with paired columns, an absolutely unusual feature in the Romanesque, which support round arches. Wooden trusses cover the ceiling of the main nave and the transept, while cross vaulting covers the side naves. The exterior of the transept has a clear dominant shape, with various single-light windows and two lateral rose windows. The façade is introduced by a double flight of steps leading to a platform facing the splendid main portal. Three windows open in the upper order and a magnificent rose window surrounded by protruding corbels with figures.
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