About
This cathedral stands out among Romanesque structures due to its three subterranean crypts and pointed arch behind the bell tower.
The 12th-century Trani Cathedral in Puglia, is an iconic structure made of calcareous tuff, a typical stone obtained from the city’s caves that’s known for its very light, almost white, color. There are many architectural oddities that make this seaside church unique. First of all, the entrance to the main church is unusually in an elevated position, raised about 16 feet above street level. Even stranger is that the Crypt of Saint Nicholas, which is under the main church, can be also accessed from the outside thanks to an opening below the main entrance. This is an unusual feature for a crypt, which is supposed to be hidden and difficult to access.
