Bari

Bari, the capital of Italy's Puglia region, is a city on the Adriatic coast with a rich history and vibrant culture. The maze-like old town, known as Bari Vecchia, is home to the 11th-century Basilica di San Nicola, where the remains of St. Nicholas rest. You can explore the 12th-century Castello Svevo fortress, stroll along the seaside promenade, or watch local women hand-make orecchiette pasta in the narrow streets. The old harbor offers fresh seafood just steps away from the fishing boats that brought in the day's catch.

Exploring Bari Vecchia

Bari's old town, Bari Vecchia, is a network of narrow streets and alleyways. As you walk through, you'll see small squares, ancient churches, and local residents going about their daily lives. On Via dell'Arco Basso, you can often spot women making orecchiette pasta by hand in front of their homes. This practice has been passed down through generations and is an important part of Bari's culinary tradition.

The Basilica di San Nicola

The Basilica di San Nicola, built in the 11th century, is Bari's most recognizable landmark. It houses the relics of St. Nicholas and is an important religious site. Inside, you'll see a decorated interior with a gold ceiling, mosaics, and the tomb of St. Nicholas in the crypt. The basilica is significant for both Catholic and Orthodox Christians, making it a key site for inter-denominational pilgrimage.

Castello Svevo: A Fortress by the Sea

Castello Svevo (Swabian Castle) has stood near the old harbor since the 12th century. The Normans originally built it, and Frederick II later reconstructed it. Today, it functions as a museum and cultural center. You can walk through its large courtyard, examine its thick walls, and learn about its history through various exhibits. From the castle, you can see views of the surrounding area and the Adriatic Sea.

Tasting Bari's Local Cuisine

Bari's cuisine relies on local ingredients and traditional recipes. Try the city's signature dish, orecchiette alle cime di rapa - ear-shaped pasta with turnip tops. For a quick meal, you can get a focaccia barese, topped with tomatoes and olives. In the old port area, you'll find restaurants serving fresh seafood. If they're in season, you might want to try raw sea urchins, which many locals enjoy.

Walking Along Lungomare Nazario Sauro

Lungomare Nazario Sauro is Bari's main seaside promenade, extending for several kilometers along the coast. This wide, palm-lined boulevard is popular for walks and bike rides. In the evenings, many locals come here to enjoy the sea air and watch the sunset. The promenade is lined with several beaches where you can relax or swim during warmer months.

Experiencing Bari's Cultural Scene at Teatro Petruzzelli

Teatro Petruzzelli, Italy's fourth-largest theater, is an important cultural site in Bari. After a fire destroyed it in 1991, it was rebuilt and reopened in 2009. Now, it hosts operas, ballets, and concerts. The theater's exterior and interior are visually striking. Check the theater's schedule to see if any performances coincide with your visit.

Getting Around Bari

You can easily walk around Bari's old town and city center. For longer trips, AMTAB operates a bus network in the city. You can buy single tickets, valid for 75 minutes, at newsstands or tobacco shops. Bari also has a small metro system, mainly useful for reaching the suburbs. Taxis are available but can be costly, so it's best to agree on a fare before your journey.

Day Trips from Bari

Bari is well-situated for exploring other parts of Puglia. Alberobello, known for its cone-roofed trulli houses, is about an hour away by train or car. Polignano a Mare, a coastal town with high cliffs and sea caves, is a 30-minute train ride from Bari. For a longer day trip, you could visit Matera in the neighboring Basilicata region. This town is known for its ancient cave dwellings and was the European Capital of Culture in 2019.