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 city center, known as Bari Vecchia, is a charming labyrinth of ancient alleys, home to the Basilca of Saint Nicholas, an important pilgrimage site. The city has a close connection to the sea, evident from the waterfront and the port, among the busiest in the Mediterranean. The modern part, with its avenues and shops, is the commercial center of Bari, which is also a vibrant university and cultural city, animated year-round by events, theaters, and festivals. With its many theaters, the Petruzzelli foremost among them, Bari is a city of culture: the imposing headquarters of the University of Bari, the headquarters of the Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno, the campus, the Provincial Art Gallery... Bari's waterfront, built during the Fascist era, is particularly impressive, 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 Saint Nicholas is deeply felt in Bari, where every year on May 7, 8, and 9, the "Sagra di San Nicola" (Saint Nicholas Festival) is celebrated. This festival commemorates the transfer of the Saint's bones, stolen from Myra in 1087 by sailors from Bari and brought to the site of the basilica dedicated to him today. The event features a medieval historical pageant, processions of the Saint's statue (the most evocative of which is the one "at sea"), color, folklore, and spectacular fireworks. Bari is also a hub for conference tourism, thanks to the renowned "Fiera del Levante", which for over seventy-five years has allowed companies from every sector to showcase their products. Precisely for this international event, Bari is known as the "bridge city to the East," a bond that strengthens its Mediterranean identity and openness 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
