Travel to Bari, Italy
Bari is the capital of Apuglia (Puglia) region in southern Italy located on the Adriatic sea coast.
It is the second most important economic center of southern Italy after Naples.
Currently, the city has a population of about 323,370 residents.
Bari is known as a major seaport, a university city and the city of Saint Nicholas.
The town blends in a wonderful way the seaside charm and historical and cultural appeal.
Bari is divided into two major districts - the historic center ( Old town) and the modern quarter ( Borgo Murattiano ) with Corso Vittorio Emanuele II street being the dividing line between them.
The best way to see the city is on foot strolling at a leisurely pace.
The most important attractions you should not miss during your visit to Bari include:
Basilica of Saint Nicholas
Bari's top attraction is located in the heart of the Old town and is dedicated to the city's patron saint. Built in 1087, the magnificent church houses the remains of Saint Nicholas as well as a number of artworks. The crypt, where the saint's tomb is kept, has beautiful mosaics. The church is an impressive example of Romanesque architecture.
San Sabino Church (The Cathedral)
Located just meters away from the basilica of Saint Nicholas in the Old town, the Bari's Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Sabinus, a bishop of Canosa, whose relics were brought here in the 9th century.
The present building was constructed between the late 12th and late 13th centuries, and was built on the site of the ruins of the Imperial Byzantine cathedral destroyed in 1156 by William I of Sicily, known as the Wicked.
The Cathedral is an impressive example of the Apulian Romanesque architecture.
The Bari Castle - Norman-Swabian Castle
Bari's iconic fortress, the Norman Swabian Castle is located in the Old town, a few steps away from the Cathedral ( San Sabino). Built by the Normans ( Norman King Roger II ) around 1132, then in 1156 was destroyed by King William I of Sicily and restored by Frederick II around 1230, the Castle currently serves as the headquarters of Puglia's Directorate for Cultural and Landscape Heritage. Art exhibitions and events are occasionally organized in the well-preserved monument. Archaeology lovers can also admire plaster reproductions of ornamental sculptures used between the 11th and 17h centuries at the Gipsoteca (Plaster Cast Gallery).
Bari Old Town
The charming Old Town comprises a labyrinth of alleyways and narrow streets, with plenty of small shops and cafés. A number of churches and small squares as well as an impressive architecture enhance the charm of the area.
Here you will find some of the most important sites in Bari: the Basilica of St. Nicholas, the Cathedral and the Castle.
In the Old town are also situated two popular squares that have a lively ambiance and attract hundreds of visitors - Piazza Ferrarese and Piazza Mercantile.
Opposite to the old port and the seafront promenade, Piazza Ferrarese is one of the access points to the old town. Then the way goes through Piazza Mercantile up to the Normanno -Svevo castle.
Teatro Margherita
This magnificent building will attract your attention while strolling along the seaside promenade. Overlooking the port, the Margherita theater is located on Piazza IV Novembre, in the end of Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.
The beautiful red-brick building was built between 1912 and 1914 near the Old Port of Bari, on pillars, surrounded by water.
After a long closure due to the high costs of maintenance, the Theater has been renovated and is currently used as an exhibition hall. Recently, a Van Gogh exhibition dedicated to the painter's life and work, took place in the theater.
