Bari and Saint Nicholas

What to visit in Bari? Discover the capital of Puglia, "Pearl of the Adriatic" which combines history and modernity, becoming a tourist destination in recent years thanks to its cruise port and connections with the rest of Italy and Europe.

Visit Bari and the old city

The centre, known as Bari Vecchia, is a fascinating labyrinth of ancient alleys, where the Basilica of San Nicola is located, an important pilgrimage destination. The city has a close connection with the sea, evident from the seafront and the port, among the busiest in the Mediterranean. The modern part, with avenues and shops, is the commercial center of Bari, which is also a lively university and cultural city, animated all year round by events, theaters and festivals. With its many theatres, the Petruzzelli first and foremost, Bari is a city of culture: the imposing headquarters of the University of Bari, the headquarters of the Gazzetta del Mezzoggiorno, the campus, the provincial art gallery... Bari's seafront is very evocative , built in the fascist era, with the majestic buildings of the Province and the art gallery.

Bari Vecchia

From a historical-artistic point of view it has many beauties to offer: starting from the heart, the old city, or commonly called "old Bari". With its picturesque squares, noble palaces and characteristic "sottani" (houses at street level), which transport anyone into an atmosphere of times gone by. Through a tangle of narrow and suggestive alleys, you arrive at the "Corte del Catapano", the religious heart of the city, where the majestic "Basilica of San Nicola" stands, a splendid example of Apulian Romanesque architecture and a place of worship for pilgrims from all over the world . Not far away, we find the "Cathedral of San Sabino", dating back to the 11th century and also in Romanesque style, famous for its large rose window that decorates the facade. Going beyond the old city, the Murat district surprises with its chessboard structure and hosts the evocative "Norman-Swabian Castle", commissioned by Frederick II. With its square towers and moat, this castle defended the city from invasions and remains today one of the symbols of medieval Bari.

The “Via delle Orecchiette”

The Orecchiette route is a characteristic street of Bari Vecchia, where local women, in front of their houses, prepare the traditional Apulian Orecchiette by hand. Between wooden tables and trays full of fresh pasta, visitors can admire and purchase this specialty, immersing themselves in the authenticity of Bari culture.

Events

The cult of San Nicola is deeply felt in Bari, where every year, on 7-8-9 May, the "Sagra di San Nicola" is celebrated. This festival commemorates the translation of the bones of the Saint, stolen from Myra in 1087 by sailors from Bari and brought to where the basilica dedicated to him stands today. The event is characterized by a medieval historical procession, processions of the statue of the Saint (of which the most evocative one is the one "at sea"), colours, folklore and large fireworks. Furthermore, Bari is a point of reference in conference tourism, thanks to the famous "Fiera del Levante", which for over seventy-five years has allowed companies from every sector to exhibit their products. Precisely because of this international event, Bari is known as the "bridge city with the East," a bond that strengthens its Mediterranean identity and open to the world.

The cooking style of Bari

Bari-style cooking offers typical specialties linked to fresh products and Mediterranean tradition. Some of the most representative dishes and absolutely not to be missed are:

Orecchiette with turnip tops
Rice, Potatoes and Mussels
Panzerotti or Focaccia Barese, much loved as street food
Seafood, strictly raw

And much more...

A central hub for tourism

Bari is a strategic point for exploring some of the most fascinating locations in Puglia and the surrounding regions. Thanks to its central location on the Adriatic coast and efficient connections, Bari offers excellent transport options for visiting nearby tourist destinations including:

1. Matera (about 1 hour by car or train): The “City of Stones”, a UNESCO heritage site

2. Alberobello (about 1 hour by car or train): Famous for its trulli

3. Polignano a Mare (30 minutes by car or train): famous for its sheer cliffs and crystal clear waters.

4. Itria Valley (about 1 hour by car): characteristic villages known for their breathtaking landscapes and white architecture

5. Castel del Monte (1 hour drive): The famous Federico II castle, another UNESCO site