This Basilica is a pure artistic jewel set in hearth of Salento.
In terms of vastness of Middle-Age frescos, the Basilica di Santa Caterina is second just to the
Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi
The Basilica was commissioned by Raimondo Orsini del Balzo, after having returned from one of his several crusades.
To describe the immense beauty of this church, the local Municipality has invited Philippe Daverio, an acclaimed art critic.
Philippe Daverio has become famous since his TV format called Passepartout, in which he travels around Italy and the world talking about art.
Philippe Daverio was invited yesterday to hold a lectio magistralis.
The art critic spoke yesterday in a crowded church.
Actually, I have listened to him outside the church with 200 more people. Fortunately, loud speakers had been set.
"We care for our cultural heritage much more than we did 30 years ago" Philippe started off.
"This Romanic-Gothic church has unique frescos. Artists from the north of Italy, mainly from Tuscany have come to Galatina to fresco the French illuminated manuscripts."
"Some of those artists were inspired by the Giotto's principles, then applied to the Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria".
In terms of vastness of Middle-Age frescos, the Basilica di Santa Caterina is second just to the
Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi
The Basilica was commissioned by Raimondo Orsini del Balzo, after having returned from one of his several crusades.
The church has been built up at the end of the 13th century, on a preexisting Byzantine church.
Raimondo Orsini Del Balzo supported the Angevins (French), who ruled the Vatican and the South of Italy.
Philippe Daverio said yesterday: "Europe should be more aware of the importance played by Italy within the Mediterranean scenario. The Basilica di Galatina is just suggesting us that the European foreign policy should be modified."
In other words, Apulia as well as the rest of the Bel paese, has since forever been in touch with the North Africa and the middle East.
Therefore, please let's be aware once for all, that the Apulian cultural heritage belongs not just to Italy, but to the entire world.
By the way, the etymology of Galatina comes from the Greek gala-galactos, which means "milk". This etymology probably originated from the local milk and cheese production.
I have ended up my Saturday night in Galatina coming accross an old friend of mine, Gianni, and his wife.
Good art to everyone
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