CATHEDRAL, Royal Tombs

Two important chapels, easy to find thanks to the signage, contain the monumental tombs of kings and emperors, moved here after the renovation of the basilica.

The first of the tombs, with a porphyry baldachin, is of Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor from 1189 to 1197 and father of the great Frederick II. The choice of porphyry is no coincidence: it is an exceptionally hard stone, used for the most important monuments and also reserved for emperors during the Byzantine Empire.

Behind the tomb of Henry VI, you can see the tomb of his wife Constance I, Queen of Sicily, also in porphyry and with a striking mosaic baldachin.

An ancient Roman sarcophagus in white marble, decorated with a hunting scene, contains the mortal remains of Constance II of Aragon, the first wife of Frederick II. A splendid crown was found inside which you can admire in the fascinating Cathedral Treasury....