St. Benedict’s Church

Today only the church, the tower and the cloister remain of St. Benedict’s monastic complex, erected between the 11th and 12th century on the ruins of the Church of Santa Maria Veterana. The Romanesque church has three naves divided by columns and it is characterised by an organic set of vaults, crosses and cross arches, which represent a unique case in the Apulian architectural panorama. On the portal, it is possible to admire wicker weaves of fine workmanship which highlight Lombard and Byzantine influences. The cloister was built with recovery materials in the 12th century and later modified in the 18th century. The presence of the Benedictines in the town ended in 1866, as a result of a suppressive provision.

Today only the church, the tower and the cloister remain of St. Benedict’s monastic complex, erected between the 11th and 12th century on the ruins of the Church of Santa Maria Veterana. The Romanesque church has three naves divided by columns and it is characterised by an organic set of vaults, crosses and cross arches, which represent a unique case in the Apulian architectural panorama. On the portal, it is possible to admire wicker weaves of fine workmanship which highlight Lombard and Byzantine influences. The cloister was built with recovery materials in the 12th century and later modified in the 18th century. The presence of the Benedictines in the town ended in 1866, as a result of a suppressive provision.