The Cathedral of Saint Stephen

The Cathedral dedicated to Saint Stephen in Piazza Vescovado dates back to the year 1038; it is in Romanesque-byzantine style. For about one millennium it was a bishopric. The outer façade is divided in three by two buttresses and the central door has two basreliefs in Byzantine style on either side. Inside one can admire the Pala d'Oro, a magnificent gilt altarpiece which hangs behind the altar. It is a goldsmith’s work of Venetian craftmanship made in the XIII-XIV century which, according to tradition, was a gift by Queen of Cyprus Caterina Cornaro. Noteworthy is also the Roman funeral altar dating back to the I century AD, standing in the apse of the left aisle.