The Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino, located in Trani, Apulia, is a prominent example of Romanesque architecture and an Italian national monument. Its construction began in 1099, linked to the events surrounding Saint Nicholas the Pilgrim, with significant phases completed between 1159 and 1186, and consecration occurring in 1143. Notable for its coastal proximity and elevated position, the cathedral features a distinct access via a double flight of stairs.

1. The Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino is the Cathedral of Trani, located in the historical center of the
town, in close proximity to the sea.
Officially named Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, the Cathedral is one of the most significant
examples of Romanesque architecture in Apulia.
It has been repeatedly defined as the Queen of the Cathedrals of Apulia, and is an Italian national
monument.
SHORT HISTORY OF THE CATHEDRAL OF SAN NICOLA PELLEGRINO
The construction of the Cathedral of Trani is linked to the events of San Nicola Pellegrino (Saint Nicholas
the Pilgrim), dating back to the time of Norman domination.
The story describes how Nicola Pellegrino landed in Trani on the eve of his death, after which several
miracles occurred.
Later, he was canonized on the initiative of Archbishop Byzantium, with the authorization of Pope Urban
II.
On the site of the current Cathedral, an ancient place of worship dating back to the 4th century was
evidenced by recent archaeological excavations.
Subsequently, the Church of Santa Maria della Scala was built, inside which a chapel was dug to house
the relics of San Leucio, stolen from Brindisi in the 8th century.
The Cathedral of Trani was built starting with 1099, on the basis of the older Church of Santa Maria della
Scala, and the relics of San Nicola were placed in the crypt, located exactly under the transept of the
upper church.
The Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino was consecrated in 1143 before it was even completed.
The decisive phase of construction presumably took place between 1159 and 1186, under the impetus
of Bishop Bertrando II, while around the year 1200 completion was considered to have been achieved,
with the exception of the bell-tower.
ARCHITECTURE OF THE CATHEDRAL OF TRANI
The Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino, important from an urban planning point of view, boasts a
relatively isolated position compared to the surrounding buildings, and is located in the immediate
vicinity of the coast.
The church is accessed via a double flight of stairs that leads to the portal, given that the ground floor is
in a slightly raised position, 5 meters from the current street level.
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