On the outer edges of Galatina's historic centre, the Basilica of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria is a treasure chest of art boasting magnificent frescoes and a range of architectural styles, from Romanesque to Gothic, Norman to Byzantine.
The splendid Romanesque façade is enriched by a finely decorated portal and a rose window that seems embroidered into the stone. Inside, the basilica's Gothic heart is entirely covered by 15th-century frescoes. These were commissioned by Princess Maria d’Enghien, who summoned the best artists from Naples to create precious painting cycles comparable to those in Assisi.
The Basilica's great iconographic highlight are its angel musicians, which provide a complete visual encyclopedia of medieval musical instruments and represent the oldest depiction of shawms, harps, double flutes and lutes in Europe.
The Basilica has also an elegant cloister with frescoes from the 18th century, a museum with an arabesque ceiling and a hall dedicated to relics and votive offerings.
Events nearby
In the coming days, within 15 km.
Beyond The Wall
Crafts and contemporary art dialogue in the spaces of Parabita.
Volare - Reading Workshop
Reading and dialogue sessions in Collepasso with writers and young readers for the Volare project.
OPEN+: Orientation to the World of Photography with Valentina Sergi and Giorgio Coen Cagli
Orientation meeting dedicated to photography with experts
Keys for the Future - Female Leadership: Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders
Female leadership: a day to shape tomorrow's leaders.
Keys to the Future - Female Leadership
A female empowerment event with talks by leaders, live music and networking. Free entry.
Andrea Baccassino Show
Musical concert with Andrea Baccassino in Galatone's park
More places nearby
Churches and cryptsChapel and Well of San PaoloBetween myth and legend, the Chapel of San Paolo with its miraculous well
is the symbolic place of the Salento tarantism. Galatina very close
Castles, towers and palacesPalazzo CongedoPalazzo Congedo, along a street of the historic centre, is an elegant
example of civil architecture in Galatina. Galatina very close
Churches and cryptsChurch of St. Peter and St. PaulA splendid Baroque building, the church of St. Peter and St. Paul is a
triumph of frescos, sacred furnishings and wonderful marble altars. Galatina very close
Museums and theatresMunicipal Museum \"Pietro Cavoti\"Dedicated to the scholar of history, archeology and art, Pietro Cavoti, the
Civic Museum has enhancing the culture of Galatina since 1936. Galatina very close
Museums and theatresTheatre Cavallino BiancoOpera, comedy and cinema in post-World War II Galatina were at home in the
historic Cavallino Bianco Theater. Galatina very close
Churches and cryptsParish Church and Spire of Raimondello Orsini del BalzoSalento's most famous spire stands with its Gothic forms next to the parish
church, a testament to the 'ancient power of the Orsini del Balzo family. Soleto 3.2 km away