Argomenti trattati
Bari, a radiant gem on the Adriatic coast, beckons travelers with its rich history and mouthwatering culinary offerings. This city, a delightful blend of ancient charm and modern flair, invites you to wander its enchanting streets, each corner whispering tales waiting to be uncovered. Got just a day to explore? Don’t worry; we’ll show you the must-see spots that embody the essence of this vibrant Puglian capital.
The Spiritual Heart: Basilica di San Nicola
Our journey kicks off at the Basilica di San Nicola, a cornerstone of Bari’s spiritual and cultural identity. Built in the 11th century, it proudly houses the relics of the city’s most cherished saint, brought back by Bari sailors from Myra, Turkey, in 1087. But this basilica isn’t just a place of worship; it’s a stunning example of Puglian Romanesque architecture. With its austere façade flanked by two towers and blind arches, it feels more like a medieval fortress than a church—a nod to its historical significance during the Norman era.
As you stroll through the entrance arch, the solemnity of this monumental complex wraps around you. Inside, asymmetric stone arches and grand vaults draw your eyes toward the magnificent presbytery, where a 12th-century tabernacle and the celebrated Throne of Elijah, supported by small telamones and adorned with sculpted lionesses, take center stage. The golden baroque ceiling adds an unexpected touch of drama. Yet, the true heart of this place lies in its crypt, where intricate capitals depicting lions, birds, and mythical creatures cradle the remains of the saint who inspired Santa Claus. Below the Catholic church, a Greek Orthodox chapel serves as a pilgrimage site for believers of all faiths, showcasing a beautiful embrace of ecumenism.
Art and History: Cattedrale di San Sabino
Just a stone’s throw away from the Basilica, the Cattedrale di San Sabino stands proudly in Bari’s historic center. A masterpiece of Puglian Romanesque architecture, it was constructed in the 13th century but retains echoes of even older times, including its striking Byzantine crypt from the 11th century, which houses the relics of the city’s bishop, San Sabino.
The exterior impresses with its commanding rose window and intricately carved portal, while the towering bell tower stretches over 70 meters into the Bari sky. Step inside, and you’ll find a bright yet austere nave that opens up to richly decorated side chapels, showcasing baroque altars, frescoes, sculptures, and exquisite marble furnishings. During the equinox, the cathedral reveals a captivating secret: a ray of sunlight streams through the central rose window, perfectly illuminating a stunning mosaic on the floor—a small miracle of medieval engineering that reflects its intricate design in a dazzling display of light.
Every architectural and decorative detail narrates centuries of history, now further enhanced by the nearby Cathedral Museum, where restored artifacts, educational pathways, and liturgical testimonies weave together a comprehensive narrative of one of Puglia’s finest treasures.
Wandering Through the Historical Center
To truly soak in the spirit of Bari, take a leisurely stroll through the historic center. Allow yourself to lose track of time in the winding alleys and lively squares, capturing the city’s authentic essence. Piazza Ferrarese, once the gateway to the city through the Porta di Ferrara, now buzzes with cafés and shops, framed by ancient Roman columns dating back to the 2nd century AD—a testament to Bari’s significance as a port in the Empire. Nearby, Piazza Mercantile has long been the city’s commercial hub, surrounded by buildings from various eras and animated by bustling artisan stalls, cafés, and vibrant daily life.
For a true taste of local culture, venture into the alleys behind the Castello Svevo, where the famous “orecchiette streets” unfold. Streets like Strada Arco Basso and its parallel lanes allow you to witness the skilled hands of Bari women as they knead, shape, and sell the region’s most iconic pasta, drawing curious onlookers into their culinary world.
As afternoon rolls in, set aside time to explore the imposing Castello Normanno-Svevo, the stone fortress that has stood sentinel over old Bari for centuries. Built in 1131 by Roger II, then destroyed and rebuilt by Frederick II, this castle showcases a magnificent layering of styles and powers. Over the ages, it has witnessed the comings and goings of kings, commanders, and noblewomen, evolving from a defensive stronghold to an aristocratic residence.
Still surrounded by its ancient moat and perfectly preserved bastions, the castle impresses with its grandeur and rich interior spaces. Crossing the stone bridge into the vast courtyard, split between the Swabian and Renaissance sections, feels like stepping back in time. The central keep offers breathtaking views over the historic center and the shimmering sea. Yet, it’s within these walls that true treasures lie: a plaster cast gallery housing faithful replicas of exquisite Romanesque decorations from across Puglia, alongside archaeological finds from prehistoric, Greek, Roman, and medieval periods.
A Taste of Bari
As the day begins to wind down, head over to the Teatro Petruzzelli. Inaugurated in 1903 and beautifully resurrected after a tragic fire in 1991, it stands as a temple of Italian culture. From Verdi to Puccini, and stars like Pavarotti to Placido Domingo, its stage has hosted countless legends. Faithfully reconstructed and equipped with the latest technology, the theater continues to draw audiences from around the globe with its lyrical seasons, ballets, and concerts. If the evening allows and the program piques your interest, treat yourself to a performance to cap off your day in style.
If your wanderings through the charming streets of old Bari have stirred up an appetite and lunch hour is approaching, why not indulge in some delectable local street food? Picture this: crispy “scagliozze” (fried polenta triangles) served in warm paper cones, a fried panzerotto stuffed with creamy mozzarella and tangy tomato, or a slice of soft, golden focaccia barese topped with juicy cherry tomatoes and briny black olives—all best enjoyed while meandering through the alleys.
To truly grasp the soul of Bari, a visit to the Fish Market N’derr la lanz (literally “at the feet of the boats”) is an absolute must. Located near the Teatro Margherita, an elegant Liberty-style building that rises above the water like a dream, this traditional market is a feast for the senses, bursting with the aromas and flavors of local life. Here, fishermen return with their traditional gozzi boats, unloading fresh catches of sea bass, mullet, octopus, shellfish, and exquisite sea urchins ready to be savored on the spot. This vibrant market captures the essence of everyday life in Bari—a place to admire, photograph, and, most importantly, taste.
For a refreshing break between your explorations, nothing beats a stroll along the Nazario Sauro waterfront to the city’s Pane e Pomodoro beach. Just a half-hour walk from the center, or a quick ten-minute drive, the salty sea air guides you to this beautiful, simple, and authentic free beach where locals come to swim or soak up the sun. With a bit of luck, you might just find a quiet spot to yourself, offering a view of the blue horizon that soothes both eye and spirit.
Bari’s Karol Wojtyla International Airport connects you to numerous airlines, providing direct flights to various Italian and European cities. Regular services link Bari with major Italian cities and key regional centers, while high-speed trains whisk you to Milan, Turin, Bologna, and other cities along the Adriatic spine. Long-distance bus companies also offer routes from major Italian cities like Milan, Rome, and Venice. If you’re traveling from the north, take the A14 Bologna-Taranto until the Bari exit. From Rome, hop on the A1 Roma-Napoli to Caianello, then continue on the A16 from Naples to Canosa, where it intersects with the A14 towards Bari.