History and Foundation of the Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria The Early Years and Origins of the Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria In the vibrant heart of Galatina, Puglia, stands a building that has left a significant mark on the region’s history and art: the Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. According to tradition, this magnificent Gothic structure was commissioned by Raimondo Orsini del Balzo between 1369 and 1391. However, recent discoveries and studies have led experts to reconsider this timeline, suggesting that the basilica may have evolved from a preexisting structure. Architectural and artistic elements predating the …