Teliquia of St. Longinus

A relic of Saint Longinus is kept in the Basilica. According to Christian tradition, he was the centurion who pierced the side of Jesus Christ with his lance. Legend has it that the weapon could be hidden in the religious structure, brought to Apulia by the knights returning from the First Crusade. Moreover, from its metal would have been realized the mythical sword Excalibur.