The Cathedral of Vieste

Vieste’s Cathedral (Basilica) rises on the high side of the medieval village. Built in the second half of the XI century, the building still shows the original romanic style, while the bell tower is late Baroque. It’s one of the oldest romanic churches in Puglia, perfectly balanced with the Baroque bell tower, rebuilt after a collapse in 1772. The Cathedral went under a number of alterations and restorations after Saracen’s sacks in 110 and 155 and the devastating earthquake in May 1646. The church contains a wooden statue depicting Madonna di “Santa Maria di Merino” (XIV century), carried in procession every May the 9th.