Bari is the capital of Puglia and a port city on the Adriatic. It is also the gateway to the Middle East, with a business and trading tradition rooted in history. It was a commercial centre and today it is famous for, among other things, the relics of St Nicholas. Upon arrival, you will be immediately struck by the unique atmosphere: the ladies who set up tables in Via delle Orecchiette to make fresh pasta in the street, the altars scattered everywhere under everylittle arches or on the facades of buildings, the Basilica of San Nicola and the Bari waterfront, where you can sit on a bench and watch the horizon with a Peroni in your hand.
Castello Normanno Svevo
Norman Swabian castle, one of the symbols of the city. It is located on the outskirts of Bari Vecchia. It was built by the Norman King Ruggero II and after its partial destruction, Frederick II rebuilt it in a new form. It is protected by walls and a large moat. It now houses the Gipsoteca (plaster castles) and the Directorate of Regional Museums of Apulia.
Via dell'Arco Basso
Among the attractions in the centre of Bari is definitely via dell'Arco Basso, also known as via delle Orecchiette. This street, which is the gateway to the heart of Bari. It is famous for the "orecchiette ladies" who go out every day to prepare fresh pasta - strictly traditional Apulian pasta such as orecchiette, cavatelli and strascinati.
Basilica di San Nicola
The Basilica of Saint Nicholas, a focal point of Bari's geography, houses the relics of this saint. Legend has it that in 1087, 62 sailors from Bari stole the relics of Saint Nicholas from themyra and brought them to Bari, where a basilica was built in the Apulian Romanesque style in honour of the patron saint, protector of sailors and girls.
Largo Albicocca
One of the most eye-catching spots in the entire city is Largo Albicocca, a charming little square that is a definite must-see in Bari Vecchia. Largo Albicocca is a symbol of the city's redevelopment over the last decade: what was once a neglected urban area is now a tourist attraction that brings many visitors to Bari every year.
Cattedrale di San Sabino
See also the Cathedral of San Sabino, a magnificent example of Apulian Romanesque architecture.
Did you know that every year on 21 June at 17.10 am, at the time of the summer solstice, the sun's rays penetrate the eighteen petals of the rose window and cover the mosaic on the floor, creating a unique light show?
Teatro Margherita e N'dèrra La Lanz col Chiringuito
Moving towards the sea, we come across first the Teatro Margherita and next to it the N'dèrra La Lanz, where the tradition and profession of fishing has been passed down in Bari for centuries. On Sunday mornings, the locals gather here on the San Nicola pier to enjoy the fresh seafood brought in by the fishermen.
Finally, don't miss the 15 km long promenade around the coast, the longest in Italy!
