Castro Cathedral

Christianity came to Castro in the 4th century and was named a diocesan seat in 682, so there has been a church on this location for many centuries.There had originally been a Greek temple here. A small Byzantine church and crypt stood here, and remains of it have been found following an extensive restoration in 2010, located two meters below the current street level. But the structure as you see it was built by the Normans, consecrated in 1171. It is done in Romanesque style of white stone with a rose window.

The church was sacked by Saracens in 1576 and de-consecrated for a time. It was later restored and reconsecrated in honor of the Vergine Annunziata, with a Baroque style altar in keeping with the trend of the day. A low squat bell tower flanks the cathedral. In the church, there are several fine paintings by artists of the Kingdom of Naples.