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Altamura by Alberto Gentile
The Altamura cathedral is one of the few sacred constructions wanted by Federico II. The first fondation was placed in 1232 at the same time when the town was being founded. He conceived it as an architectural "unicum" like that of Castel del Monte. He made it "unique" even from a juridical point of view because he rendered it free from any Episcopal jurisditioin. In fact he took it away from the bishop's power, in nearby Gravina, and placed it under his own dependence, as a Palatine Chapel, namely belonging to the Royal Place. Unfortunately the original structure of the three-nave Cathedral, with its impressive women's galleries, is almost beyond recognition due to the 1316 earthquake and by the numerous alterations undertaken throughout the centuries. On the outside one can admire the magnificient portal, one of the richest in Apulia, flanked by two lions. The gable is adorned with a statue of blessing Christ. On the architrave the Last Supper is depicted with Christ being embraced by St. John; bread and fishes on the table and in the lunette the seated Madonna and Child. Lower down the Annuciantion, scene realized in two high relief placed in front; one left, with a kneeled angel; and the other, at right, with Virgin Mary who's head is bowed at the Divine Annunctiation,covers her chest with crossed arms. The two massive bell towers, erected in the XIV century, rise like two arms and in the middle, of the façade, there is magnificient 15-ray rose window with the arched lintel richly carved in stone.
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