The Old Lighthouse

Although this is a very messy photo visually, I like it because it includes so many essential elements of Molfetta's old town. The intended "subject" is the older lighthouse of the two on our port. It was inaugurated in 1857. In the foreground are the fishing boats that guarantee the livelihood for many local families.

To the left of the lighthouse, you see the Duomo (built in 1150, Romanesque-Apulian style). Between the twin towers of the Duomo the spire of the Church of Saint Anthony is peeking through. To the right of the lighthouse the false front-style facade of the Cathedral of Saint Mary Ascension (completed 1744) is visible. And, to the far right, stands the bell tower of the Church of St. Stephen (13th century).

These are not all of the churches present in Molfetta's tiny old town, but a fair share!

Church of Santo Stefano

This is what happens when you stick your camera out the window and take pictures while driving! Rather fuzzy, but these were the actual colors, the kind of amazing colors you find here in Apulia.

The church spire in the center belongs to the Church of Santo Stefano, which is the starting point of the Good Friday procession featured in yesterday's post.

Holy Week...a week late (2)

The Procession of the Five Mysteries is one of the most evocative of the several processions held during Holy Week. It begins at the Church of Santo Stefano at 3:30 a.m. on Good Friday and winds its way first through the Old Town and then around the rest of the city until noon.

Different confraternities have the honor of carrying each of the five (very heavy) statues. After the last statue, the procession is followed by the city band which plays the traditional Molfettan Funeral Marches, composed over 100 years ago.

You can't see anything in the video below, but it gives you an idea of the music.