The Basilica Cattedrale San Cataldo, an ancient and noteworthy monument, is nestled in the heart of Taranto. As the oldest cathedral in Puglia, it was initially consecrated to Saint Mary Magdalene and later to Bishop St. Cataldo. The Byzantines constructed the original structure in the latter half of the 10th century. In the final years of the 11th century, the Byzantine edifice underwent a transformation, resulting in the cathedral’s current form. Upon entering the cathedral, visitors are greeted by the grand central nave, adorned with ancient columns and capitals hailing from the Greek and Roman periods. Traces of the medieval mosaic floor can still be seen, along with the striking coffered false ceiling crafted in wood and gold, which is further embellished by statues of St. Cataldo and the Assunta. The altar, commissioned by Archbishop Caracciolo in 1652, is crowned by a valuable ciborium in red porphyry, featuring statues of the four evangelists.