Bariexperience.com | The rock basilica of Santa Candida, a church carved into the rock. Discover the rock church of Santa Candida and book a guided tour with Archeoclub, in Bari, Puglia.

A rock church immersed in the silence of the Bari blades, witness of a Middle Ages of faith and mystery.

The Basilica of Santa Candida is a place where history, religiosity and mystery intertwine, offering tourists an unforgettable experience and an opportunity to discover a secluded but fascinating corner of the city. Bari, in fact, is a city full of history and culture that houses multiple testimonies of the past inside.

Among these, one of the most fascinating and mysterious is the rock basilica of Santa Candida , an authentic treasure hidden in the heart of the city. This church, dating back to the X-XI century , is one of the largest rock churches in Puglia and an extraordinary example of medieval sacred art. Located a few steps from the Poggiofranco , along the right side of Lama Picone , the Basilica is immersed in a unique natural environment, dug in the limestone rock, a sedimentary stone formed over millennia from the sea that anciently invaded the territory.

The basilica fits into a historical context rich in meaning. During the Byzantine period, the area was populated by a community of diversified ethnic origin, which contributed to the spread of the Christian faith in the area. The surrounding area housed other hypogea and a chora , a rural aggregate that developed next to the church. This place still represents a symbol of the religious identity of medieval Bari and a witness of the presence of the Eastern monks in the area.

History and mystery of the frescoes

Although the basilica is today aniconic , the side walls were once decorated with frescoes that told sacred and historical scenes. These frescoes, unfortunately disappeared or deteriorated over time, are evidenced by residues of paintings along the naves of the naves. In the apsidal you can still admire Latin inscriptions that recall the saints venerated by the local community: Santa Cecilia , Sant'Elena , San Tommaso , San Giacomo , Sant'Erasmo , San Bartolomeo and, of course, Santa Candida . The presence of these saints highlights the religious importance of the Church and its connection with the Byzantine Christian tradition.

Once upon a time there was the monastery

Adjacent to the Church , a monastery that hosted monastic cells used by religious for prayer and daily life. Unfortunately, much of this structure was destroyed due to the bracing works for the expansion of the Bari ring road . This led to the loss of an important part of the history of this place. Despite this, the Basilica continues to keep its charm and its historical importance intact.

How to visit the Basilica of Santa Candida

Currently the Basilica is protected by a gate , but the APS Archeoclub "Italo Rizzi" in Bari deals with its surveillance and enhancement. The Association organizes free events and guided tours to allow visitors to discover the beauty and mystery of this unique place.

If you want to discover the rock basilica of Santa Candida , you can participate in the guided tours organized by the Archeoclub APS "Italo Rizzi". An unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the medieval history of Bari and to appreciate a cultural heritage that deserves to be known and protected.