Bitonto - Concattedrale di Bitonto

Bitonto, today a city of a population of about 55000, was probably founded by Greek settlers. Traces of a city wall dating to the 5th and 4th century BC were found. Legends tell that the name Bitonto is connected to an Illyrian king named Botone. Later "Civitas Butuntinenses" became a self-governing Roman municipium,

A Paleochristian basilica existed very early. During the 9th century, Bitonto successfully withstood a Saracen raid but got destroyed by Byzantine troops in 975. The Normans took over Apulia. In the 11th and 12th century. Under the rule of the Normans of Roger II of Sicily, William I of Sicily (aka William the Wicked) and William II of Sicily (aka William the Good), the city prospered and got new walls.

In 1227, Bitonto was the scene of ex-communication of Frederick II accused by pope Gregory IX of having come to terms with the sultan al-Malik al-Kamil.

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The Bitonto Cathedral, dedicated to San Valentino, was erected 1175/1200 in the centre of the city. The construction was probably influenced by the "Basilica of San Nicola" in Bari and was done in the typical "Apulian Romanesque" style.

It is proven that the bishopric existed in 1089, though the crypt of the cathedral has remains of a 5th-century church.

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Originally the ambo was placed on the right side of the nave but during the Baroque alteration of the church, the ambo was dismantled in the 17th century. Most, but not all parts of the ambo survived, in 1720 the ambo was assembled again at the place, where it is now.


This is probably the most prominent and for sure the most disputed piece of art here. The triangular carving is part of the bannister-rail of the ambo. Four persons, one sitting. three standing. Two standing on small boards. It is obvious that this is not a piece created by Magister Nicolaus, as it lacks any elegance. There is no written medieval proof that tells who created it - nor who are the persons depicted. The "message" that may have been clear in the 12th/13th century got lost.

So there are only theories. I quote some following Pina Belli d'Elia, author of "Puglia romanica" (Zodiaque):

Scholars Schubring and Bertaux: Frederick II is sitting. - Scholar Avena: Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor, is sitting, standing 2nd from right is Constance, Queen of Sicily (his wife). - Scholar Schulz: The 2.nd person from right is Virgin, surrounded by the Magi. - Scholar Venturi: King Salomo being visited by the Queen of Saba.

Maybe scholar Schaller is right, as connects the carving to a sermon held here after the emperor had defeated a revolt of some Apulian cities in 1229. For Schaller, this is a homage to the house of Stauffer. For him, there are fltr: Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor, (aka Barbarossa) handing the sceptre to (his son) Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor. Next is Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, followed by )his son) Conrad IV, Holy Roman Emperor.