A coastal town in Puglia with an 11th-century limestone cathedral overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Local fishermen still sell fresh catches at the medieval port.
Trani sits along Italy's Adriatic coast in Puglia, where a 12th-century cathedral rises next to the sea. You can walk through medieval streets to reach the fishing port, or visit the 13th-century Svevo Castle. The city has four historic synagogues, and the surrounding vineyards produce Moscato di Trani wine.
Transportation to Trani
Trains run every 30 minutes from Bari to Trani, with the journey taking 39 minutes. You'll find regular connections at Bari Centrale station, and the trip costs €3.60 one-way. From Bari Airport, you can drive to Trani in about 45 minutes along the coastal highway.
Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino
The Cathedral stands on Trani's waterfront, its 60-meter bell tower visible across the city. Local artisans built it in the 12th century using cream-colored limestone from nearby quarries. You'll see intricate Romanesque carvings and bronze doors created by Barisano di Trani. The crypt contains decorated pillars and mosaic floors in their original Romanesque style.
Svevo Castle Architecture and Events
Frederick II constructed this coastal fortress in 1233. Four square towers mark the corners of its quadrangular layout. Today, the castle serves as a cultural center where you can attend art exhibitions and concerts. You can explore the grand hall, former prison cells, and a chapel containing medieval frescoes.
Jewish Quarter and Synagogues
During the 12th century, 200 Jewish families lived in Trani's Jewish quarter alongside four synagogues. The Scolanova Synagogue, with its Romanesque architecture, reopened for worship in 2005 after centuries of different uses. As you walk through the quarter's narrow streets, you'll notice Norman architectural elements on the house facades.
Harbor and Local Food
Fishermen sell their morning catch directly from their boats at the port. Many restaurants around the harbor prepare local dishes using fish caught the same day. You can try fresh seafood while sipping Moscato di Trani, a sweet wine made from grapes grown in the nearby countryside.
Day Trips from Trani
You can reach several interesting sites from Trani. Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its distinctive octagonal shape, is 40 minutes away by car. Take short train rides to the coastal towns of Bisceglie and Molfetta to see their medieval centers and fishing ports.
