Bari the regional capital of Puglia, which is bathed by the sea, is a city full of charm to be discovered. You are spoiled for choice when deciding what to see in Bari … The best way to enjoy all its characteristics is to go to the historic center – without excluding excursions outside the city, in the immediate surroundings – where other interesting discoveries await you.
St. Nicholas Basilica
The symbol of the city is certainly the Basilica of St. Nicholas, the saint that inspired the origin and success of a “mythological” figure of Santa Claus. The remains of St. Nicholas of Myra are preserved in a basilica crypt, revered not only by Catholics, but also the Orthodox.
The church, dating from 1089, was built in Romanesque style, while it boasts beautiful paintings of the sixteenth century, a silver altar and the Elia Chair, one of the most beautiful and famous Romanesque sculptures in Puglia. In the adjoining Nicolian Museum, the treasury of Saint Nicholas is preserved, with priceless illuminated scripts, parchments and silverware, in addition to precious ex-vote gifts by the faithful.
Norman-Svevo Castle
The other monument that identifies the city is the Norman-Svevo Castle. The building dates back to 1131 by Ruggero the Norman, but was rebuilt in 1223 by Frederick of Svevia after being completely destroyed in 1156. It was built in f the defense of the city and access by sea, like the Basilica of San Nicola it is one of the most remarkable examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy, so it is undoubtedly a place to see for those who wish to visit Italy.
The fortress stands out for the keep, wanted by Frederick II, which retains two original towers, while the bastions and other towers date back to 1500. The castle is surrounded by a moat, crossed by a bridge that allows access from the outside. Inside it is possible to visit the Gipsoteca, which keeps a collection of plaster casts of the most important monuments of Puglia.
Old Bari
The ancient heart of the city, Bari Vecchia, deserves an unhurried visit, a must for those who want to visit Italy in its entirety. The neighborhood, which extends between the New Harbor and the Old Port, overlooking the beautiful seafront, dates back to the Middle Ages. Here the traditions of the city are still strong, with a thousand architectural details and glimpses of everyday life that peep out of the maze of streets and squares of which it consists.
Here, amongst other things, is the beautiful San Sabino Cathedral, dating back to 1100, which houses a precious Illuminated script, and the Fortino di Sant’Antonio Abate, dating back to 1300.
Promenade
The famous Promenade, built in 1927, is one of the city’s business cards, and is the “stroll” of Bari. In fact, it does not only allow you to admire the sea but also the beautiful liberty style city front, featuring the Albergo delle Nazioni, the Kursaal Santa Lucia Theater and the Town hall of the Province.
Bari Underground
But there is also an underground Bari to discover. Specialized guides accompany tourists and visitors on a night-time route that starts from the underground suburbs of the Castle and then crosses the entire old town. Thus, the various historical eras of the city are discovered: from the early settlements of the Bronze Age to the Roman city, from the capital of the Western Byzantine Empire to the Middle Ages. Under the Basilica of Saint Nicholas is the former Early Christian Basilica.
Corrado Giaquinto Art gallery
On the seafront I recommended a visit to the Pinacoteca Corrado Giaquinto, hosted by the Town Hall of the Province, which retains a collection of Apulian art and culture that includes paintings, clothes and furnishings from the year 1000.
Also remarkable is the exhibition of medieval sculptures, the Neapolitan school canvases that include some Luca Giordano and Andrea Vaccaro, and the Grieco Collection. The latter offers some fifty paintings of the nineteenth century, among others, by Pelizza da Volpedo, and works of the twentieth century, including paintings by De Chirico and Carrà.
Now you know what to see in Bari! Visiting Italy has never been so easy, has it?
