The Tropea cathedral was built by the Normans in the 12th century. A longitudinal development, with three naves in Norman style, the structure was built entirely in tuff and pale yellow lava stone. During the 17th century, the building was transformed into the baroque style and elongated 12 meters. Suffered many damages because of the many earthquakes and had numerous restorations. The interior houses the icon of the saints. The patron saint of the city, the Virgin of Romania, the work of a pupil of Giotto datable around 1230 and originating in the eastern. Particular attention is paid to the majestic black Crucifix, probably coming from France and datable not before 1600.
References:The Gravensteen is a castle in Ghent originating from the Middle Ages. The name means 'castle of the counts' in Dutch. Arnulf I (918–965), Count of Flanders, was the first to fortify this place, building a medieval bastion on this high sand dune, naturally protected by the river Leie and its marshy banks. This bastion consisted of a central wooden building and several surrounding buildings, also in wood.
In the early 11th century, the wooden building was replaced by a stone residence, consisting of three large halls that made up three storeys, connected by a stone stairwell. The monumental stone staircase, the light openings, the fireplaces built into the walls and the latrines were signs of considerable luxury and comfort in those days. There was probably also a tower.