The Cathedral

Caorle Cathedral was built in 1038 on the remains of a pre-existing church from the VIII century and is dedicated to Saint Stephen the Protomartyr, whose skull is preserved inside. The cathedral is in Romanesque-Byzantine style and is divided into three naves; the central nave is closed to the outside by a semi-circle with seven facades; while one lateral nave houses the baptismal font and the other the monstrance. To the sides of the main door are two Byzantine bas-reliefs from the X century. Inside is a marble altar, some excellent paintings and a gold altarpiece with six panels, from Cyprus. Next to the cathedral is the majestic and imposing bell tower, built in 1070 and 48 metres high. This is built in the same style and shows how important the Romanesque influence was in that era. Each year in the month of July, the bell tower ‘burns down’ thanks to a firework display in honour of the Blessed Virgin, which takes place with a procession from the Church of the Madonna dell'Angelo.