Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria
a Masterpiece in Galatina, Italy
This beautiful church, built in the 14th century, is known for its stunning frescoes and architecture. The Basilica di Santa Caterina d’ Alessandria is important because it houses the relics of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a revered Christian saint and martyr. Saint Catherine is considered one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers (The 14 Holy Helpers are a group of Catholic saints who were believed to be particularly powerful intercessors in times of trouble and illness.) Saint Catherine is a patron saint of students, philosophers, preachers, and women, among others.
Behind the Alter of Santa Caterina Basilica
Santa Caterina’s is an amazing example of Baroque architecture in southern Italy. In addition, Gothic and Apulian Romanesque styles reflect the diverse cultural influences of the region. The basilica is built in the shape of a Latin cross, with a central nave and two side aisles. The exterior features a beautiful façade decorated with a central rose window, intricate carvings and statues.
The interior of the basilica is impressive, with a grand altar and breathtaking frescoes adorning the walls and ceiling- so many that it is sometimes compared to the church of St. Francis of Assisi. The colors and images are magnificent and you can see where ancient graffiti appears on a few. The altar is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, the patron saint of the basilica. The nave is lined with ornate chapels, each dedicated to a different saint or religious figure.
This ancient basilica contains stunning, bright frescoes, so many that it is sometimes compared to the church of St. Francis of Assisi. The colors and images are magnificent and you can see where ancient graffiti appears on a few.
Fresco Inside Santa Catarina Basilica
Are there some Frescos unfinished in the Basilica?
The interior of the Basilica was frescoed in the late 14th century by local artists, building upon older fragments in some areas. Some areas were left incomplete, adding to the unique history of the Basilica’s interior.
Who was Saint Catherine of Alexandria?
Santa Caterina d’ Alessandria, also known as Saint Catherine of Alexandria, was a Christian saint and virgin martyr who lived in the early 4th century. She is famous for her unwavering faith and staunch defense of Christianity, as well as her intellectual prowess. According to legend, she was highly educated and engaged in debates with pagan philosophers, ultimately converting many of them to Christianity. She is also known for her martyrdom, during which she was tortured and eventually executed by Emperor Maxentius in the early 4th century. She was sentenced to death because she refused to renounce her Christian faith and worship the Roman gods. Saint Catherine of Alexandria is recognized as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers in the Roman Catholic Church and is venerated as a patron saint of scholars, students, philosophers, and unmarried women. Her feast day is celebrated on November 25th.
Santa Caterina d’ Alessandria by Caravaggio
What is the origin of the Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria?
This incredible church was the dream of a wealthy feudal lord, Raimondello Orsini del Balzo Prince of Taranto and lord of the entire Salento territory. As the wealthiest noble in Salento, his ambition was to build an important church dedicated to Saint Catherine, and he would go to great length to achieve his dream.
Stolen Relics?
The finger of St. Catherine
Legend has it that Raimondello went to visit the Holy Land to see the relics and Sanctuary of Santa Catherine d’Alexandria. He kissed the hand of the Saint, and actually bit off her finger- to bring the relic to Galatina. Raimondello knew that possession of such an important relic would raise the status of his church- which was then designated as a Basilica by the Pope.
Following his return from the Holy Land he commissioned the church and had it built between 1383 and 1385. With the Holy relic of St. Catherine, Galatina became an important destination for pilgrims -then and now. Raimondello died in 1406, and his wife, Maria d’Enghien, continued the work on the basilica.
The Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria remains an important religious and cultural site in Galatina, attracting visitors from all over the world to admire its stunning architecture and pay homage to Saint. The basilica is an important pilgrimage site for devotees of the saint, and her remains are still venerated there today.
Learn more about St Catherine of Alexandria
The breast of St. Agatha
In 1040 the Byzantines recaptured Sicily. Giorgio Maniace wanted to favor the sovereigns, and ordered the transfer of the precious relics of Catania. The relics of St. Agatha of Catania, and St. Lucia of Syracuse were taken away to Constantinople. These relics were already venerated throughout the Mediterranean, and a great sense of pride for the Catanians.
Eighty six years later, two soldiers devoted to St. Agatha had recurring dreams where St. Agatha appeared to them. They went to Constantinople, snuck into the church, and stole back St. Agatha’s relics. They cut St. Agatha’s body into 5 parts to evade detection and managed to escape on a ship to Sicily. On the return trip, the pair stopped in Galatina, Italy, (one of the sailors hometown), and donated one of St. Agatha’s breast bones. The relic remains in the church today.
Learn more about St. Agatha of Catania
Why do people make pilgrimages to this Basilica?
People make pilgrimages to this church to honor and seek the intercession of Saint Catherine, to offer prayers and thanksgiving, and to seek spiritual guidance and inspiration. The basilica is also a place of pilgrimage for those seeking healing, especially from illnesses related to the throat and education. The church’s history, architecture, and connection to the life of Saint Catherine make it a significant and sacred site for many believers.
Fresco Inside Santa Catarina Basilica Fresco Inside Santa Catarina Basilica
What can I see in the intricate murals and frescos on the walls of Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria?
The murals and frescos in the Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria are captivating with various stories from the life of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, the patron saint of the church. These stories include her vision of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, her debate with pagan philosophers, her martyrdom, and her subsequent coronation in heaven. Biblical scenes include stories from Genesis, the Seven Sacraments, the Archangels, the Apocalypse and more. The artwork in the basilica serves to educate and inspire worshippers and visitors about the Bible and the life and miracles of Saint Catherine.
One of the most important frescos inside the Church of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria is the painting of St. Catherine of Alexandria, the patron saint of the church. This fresco is located above the main altar and depicts St. Catherine in a regal pose, holding a martyr’s palm and a book symbolizing her wisdom and knowledge. The painting is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance art and is highly revered by the church’s congregation
Fresco Inside Santa Catarina Basilica
What other features should I look for in the Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria?
The interior of the church soars upward, featuring a magnificent cross vault. There is a riot of columns and capitals, vaults, and counter-facades entirely covered with a kaleidoscope of frescoes.
There are three Naves:
The Apocolypse – Scenes from the Book of Revelation
The Genesis – Stories from the book of Genesis including Adam and Eve disobeying God
Life of Christ – Scenes from the life of Christ and golden angels
And in the Presbytery- Scenes rom the lives of St. Catherine, and St. Francis
Why is the church(chiesa) of St. Catherine a Basilica?
The church of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria became a basilica due to its historical and architectural significance. The title of basilica is usually granted by the Pope to churches that hold special importance, such as historical or religious significance, or for having particular architectural features.
The main difference between a church and a basilica is in the title and status. A basilica is a large and important church that has been granted the title by the Pope. Basilicas typically have a larger size, grander architecture, and a higher status within the Catholic Church compared to regular churches.
The beautiful Cloister of Santa Caterina D’Alessandria Church
Plan your visit to the Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria in Galatina
Plan a guided tour- Alot more than just a pretty church. If you are interested in learning more about the basilica and its history, consider taking a guided tour. The Basilica is a living embodiment of the history, culture, and religious tradition of Galatina, and of Puglia.
As a place of worship, it is important to dress respectfully when visiting the basilica. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.
The Basilica is nestled in the heart of historic Galatina. Located in Piazza Orsini, the Santa Caterina d’Alessandria is open between 8:30am and 12:30pm, and then open again from 4:30 to 8:30pm.
Pray, Meditate, Learn, Enjoy…
Other Must-See religious sites in Galatina
Mother Church of St. Peter and St. Paul
The church of St. Peter and Paul is a late baroque architecture church carved in Lecce stone. The beautiful interiors feature frescoes telling stories from the life of St. Peter. The church is located in the town’s main square. It is difficult to date the church but appears to have started construction in the 14th century, but was extensively reconstructed after an earthquake.
The town was recorded as “St. Peter in Galatina” in a document dating from 1188, which captures the legend that the apostle Peter stopped here on his way to Rome around 42 AD.
St. Paul’s well
St Paul is known for battling a snake in Malta, and became known as the protector against poisonous animal bites and stings. The Apostle Saint Paul stopped in Galatina on his way to Rome. He was provided lodging by a noble family and as thanks, he gave them a well that happens to cure maladies inflicted by poisonous animals.
Tarantulas?
Galatina is historically linked to the cult of Tarantism, an illness caused by a spider bite. Are there Tarantulas in Southern Italy? NO The translation actually means spider (not Tarantula), and probably refers to the Wolf spider- While the name “Tarantula” is commonly used for the wolf spider Lycosa tarantula. It’s important to note that true tarantulas belong to a different spider family- and the Wolf Spider is venomous, but not considered particularly toxic to humans. The spider may have been blamed for a number of maladies that Southern Italian villagers could not understand centuries ago.
The Greek mythology of Arachne may also have fed this tradition. Peasant villager, Arachne, thought herself better than the deities, especially in the art of weaving wool. Athena challenged Arachne to a weaving contest. Athena’s tapestry depicted scenes of the Gods in their glory, but Arachne’s weaving illustrated the misdeeds and indiscretions of the gods, especially Zeus, and Athena. In a fit of rage, Athena destroyed Arachne’s tapestry and loom. In the end, Athena took “pity” on Arachne and transformed her into a spider, condemning her to weave forever.
The ‘Cure’
The tradition held that part of the cure for the spider maladies would be the dance of the frenetic Tarantella . The maladies were different though, and required the ailing woman to pull a colored ribbon. This ribbon would then instruct the musicians on the particular curative music to be played for the suffering victim.
This well and the tiny chapel (via Garibaldi 7) have been the center of Tarantism for centuries. Each year-victims from all over Southern Italy would come to Galatina and perform a ritual exorcism that involved drinking sulfur water from the well (which was vomited directly back into the well), a visit to the chapel and the performance of a spider-dance to the frenzied sounds of accordion, tambourine, violin and guitar.
In the 1960s the church condemned the rituals for the people of Galatina. Tarantism became taboo. The dance was getting to be an embarrassment to the church – occasionally obscene with women ripping their clothes off and climbing walls. The rituals highlighted an unenlightened peasant culture, and the ‘miraculous’ well was now contaminating more people than it cured. The chapel and Saint Paul’s well fell into disrepair and were closed off to the public.
The sites have recently been restored and reopened, and musicians and dancers of all ages still flock to Galatina on June 29 to play the traditional peasant songs, wave the colored ribbons, and scarves -and dance the Tarantella.
Church of the Holy Souls in Purgatory (Madonna delle Grazie)
This sacred space is dedicated to the souls in purgatory and the Virgin Mary. Catholic Purgatory churches are where you went to pray for people who may not be in Heaven or Hell (limbo). The Catholic church seems to have de-emphasized Purgatory in recent years.
This Octagonal church was constructed in the early 18th century. You will see skeletons on the exterior and on the altar. The skeletons are symbolic representations of mortality and the journey of the soul after death.
The interior is made up of a single high nave, with the characteristic coffered ceiling, with an octagonal plan, horizontally scanned in three orders and illuminated by six large, richly sculpted windows adorned with pairs of angels with cornucopias. the High Altar there is a large canvas depicting the Virgin pouring the “suffrage” to extinguish the flames of the Souls who, after having served their sentence, are lifted from Purgatory.
