Description
The Church of San Pietro constitutes a precious testimony to the Byzantine dominion in Terra d'Otranto, a period in which the city became a metropolitan see (in 968) under the direct control of the patriarchal see of Constantinople.
Its dating has long been a matter of debate among scholars, but analysis of the structure, frescoes, and Greek inscriptions suggests it dates back to the second golden age of Byzantine architecture, which began in the 9th-10th centuries AD. Indeed, the square plan features an inscribed Greek cross, typical of this phase of Byzantine religious architecture.
Inside, three small naves are surmounted by a central dome supported by four columns. The three apses at the back house splendid Byzantine-style frescoes dating from the 10th to the 16th centuries. The oldest paintings are the Washing of the Feet, which depicts Christ with a halo in the act of lifting the leg of Saint Peter, and the Last Supper. The Nativity, Pentecost, and Anastasis (Resurrection) are dated to the 14th century, while the Presentation in the Temple and other figures of saints date to the final phase of the 16th century.
ORARI Di APERTURA
Primavera - Estate
10:00 - 13:00
16:30 - 19:30
Autunno - Inverno (dal 16 settembre al 31 ottobre)
10:13:00
15:00 - 18:00