Cathedral of San Cataldo

Counting among the most beautiful churches in the whole region, the Basilica Cathedral dedicated to San Cataldo that dominates piazza Duomo, is the gem of Taranto's old town. Of medieval origin, it was remodelled during the Baroque period and today holds the relics of the patron saint in a lateral chapel. The 18th-century façade ia a triumph of Baroque, with niches containing statues of saints, angels and medallions, a prelude to the sumptuous interior 84 m long opening onto three naves and countles chapels. The floor still bears traces of ancient mosaic art, while the walls are richly decorated. The large chapel of San Cataldo, holding the saint's relics under its frescoed dome, is surrounded by rich marble decorations and stuccoes, while the cross-shaped crypt, punctuated by low columns and graced by 13th-century frescoes, retains all its Bizantine grandeur.

The festival in honour of San Cataldo, celebrated on May 8th and 9th, is an evocative reenactment of the delivery of the keys to the saint, ending with the characteristic Palio boat race among the city's neighbourhoods.