Corato - Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore

Corato was a small peasant community already in Roman times. After the end of the Empire, it was raided by Alaric's Visigoths and later by Saracen hordes. In the 11th century, when Puglia was taken by the Normans, Peter I of Trani (aka "Pietro il Normanno"), one of the Norman leaders, was made Count of Trani. He rebuilt and fortified Corato.

The main church of the town, most called "il Duomo", is mentioned in an 11th century document, but after several renovations due to the earthquake of 1627 and a massive 19th century restoration almost all traces of the original structure are lost.

This tympanum is a medieval piece of art, that survived all rebuildings and restorations. Christ in a blessing gesture between two mourners