Bari

<< Apulia

Bari is the capital and most populous city of Apulia, located on the Adriatic Sea in the center of the region. The city was founded in the Bronze Age by the Peucetians, a tribe of Illyrian origins, and had strong ties with the Greeks before being taken by the Romans. In the Early Middle Ages, Bari was contested between Byzantines and Lombards, and during the 9th century it was captured by the Arabs, becoming the seat of the Emirate of Bari, before returning to Byzantine control. Meanwhile, Bari became one of the major ports of the Mediterranean, and was conquered by the Normans. The city was ruled by the Kingdom of Naples for centuries, and lived a period of splendor in the 15th and 16th century, before falling into a long decline. Bari was expanded over its medieval walls in the 19th century, and quickly grew to become one of the main economic centers of Southern Italy. Bari is now known for hosting various historic attractions and the Fiera del Levante, one of the largest exhibitions in Italy.

✪ Basilica of San Nicola

The Basilica of San Nicola is an important church and pilgrimage site in the old town of Bari. Built between the 11th and 12th century, it is regarded as a masterpiece of Apulian Romanesque architecture. The church was built to house the relics of Saint Nicholas, which were brought to Bari from modern-day Turkey. The basilica has an imposing structure, and a decorated central portal. Inside, the church hosts several ancient artworks and medieval sculptures, including the elaborate 11th-century Cathedra of Bishop Elias (Cattedra del Vescovo Elia). The church also houses a richly decorated ciborium, while the relics of Saint Nicholas are hosted in the crypt. Next to the basilica is the Museo Nicolaiano, a museum dedicated to the history of the church and the city.

✪ Bari Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of San Sabino (Cattedrale di San Sabino)

The Bari Cathedral (Duomo di Bari) is a large historic church in the center of the old town of Bari. The cathedral was built over a previous church in the 12th and 13th century, and it is one of the most notable examples of the Apulian Romanesque style. The facade features a large rose window, while next to the church is a tall bell tower. The vast interior in also in Romanesque style, after the removal of the Baroque decorations which were added later. The crypt still has Baroque decorations, and hosts various ancient relics, and the venerated icon of the Madonna Odegitria. A museum next to the cathedral houses various historic religious artworks and objects.

✪ Norman-Swabian Castle

The Norman-Swabian Castle (Castello Normanno-Svevo) is a large medieval castle in Bari, located on the western side of the old town. Built in the 12th century, it was soon damaged, but it was later rebuilt and expanded. Used for centuries as prison and barracks, now it hosts art exhibitions and a gypsotheca. The castle is still well preserved, with imposing towers and walls, and it is surrounded by a moat, now dried.

Archaeological Museum of Santa Scolastica

The Archaeological Museum of Santa Scolastica (Museo Archeologico di Santa Scolastica) is a museum located in the old town of Bari. The museum houses a rich collection of archaeological findings found in Apulia, including numerous ancient artworks dating between prehistory and the Middle Ages. The museum is hosted in a former medieval monastery, and the vast Archaeological Area of San Pietro (Area Archeologica di San Pietro) is located next to the complex.

Piazza del Ferrarese

Piazza del Ferrarese is a square located along the seafront of Bari, on the eastern side of the old town. Facing the square are the Spazio Murat and the Ex Mercato del Pesce, historic buildings turned into exhibition areas dedicated to contemporary art. Nearby is Teatro Margherita, a theater built in the early 20th century which has now been turned into a museum of contemporary art.

Teatro Petruzzelli

Teatro Petruzzelli is one of the largest theaters in Italy, built in Bari around the turn of the 20th century. The theater hosted several important artists, but was heavily damaged by a fire in 1991. After being restored, the theater reopened in 2009.

Metropolitan Art Gallery of Bari

Also known as: Corrado Giaquinto Art Gallery (Pinacoteca Corrado Giaquinto)

The Metropolitan Art Gallery of Bari (Pinacoteca Metropolitana di Bari) is an art museum located along the seafront of Bari. The museum houses a rich collection of artworks that span a period between the Middle Ages and today, mostly by Italian artists.

Bari Promenade

A long seaside promenade extends for kilometers east of the old town of Bari. Various parks and a ferris wheel can be found along the promenade, which ends with the beach known as Pane e Pomodoro (“bread and tomato”).

War Memorial of the Fallen Overseas

The War Memorial of the Fallen Overseas (Sacrario dei Caduti d’Oltremare) is a World War II memorial located east of Bari. Inaugurated in 1967, it houses the remains of over 75,000 Italian soldiers who died overseas. The large complex also features a museum dedicated to the military history of Italy between 1882 and 1945.