Why Go to Bari
Beautiful, historic, coastal, youthful, charming, Mediterranean… all these can only give a small insight into what Bari has to offer. As the capital of the Puglia region and a real student hotspot, Bari is more urban than the neighbouring Lecce and Brindisi, with a breathtaking, recently renovated, opera house and beautiful buildings that are perfect examples of Italian grandiosity. Although Bari is a busy port with connections to Greece, Croatia and Albania, many tourists skip over it on their way to Lecce. However, we’ll tell you why you shouldn’t make their mistake!
If you’re a fan of splendid, picturesque architecture, then Bari won’t disappoint you. For starters, the basilica which houses the remains of St. Nicholas, or as Italians know him, San Nicolo. At first glimpse, it seems massive and somehow intimidating. However, if you take a closer look, you will notice small, endearing details in the carvings around the portals, and animals which guard the entrances. Another jewel of the city, although less famous than the first one, is the cathedral of San Sabino, which is of great importance for the remains of Norman ornamentation. Even though it was completed at the end of the 12th century, much of the church has been restored to Apulian Romanesque appearance, depriving it this way of the Baroque elements. Inside the crypt there are the relics of Saint Columba, Saint Sabinus and other saints, came to Bari in the 9th century. Next to the crypt, yet easy to miss, are the archeological excavations containing traces of history from Romans through Medieval times. Finally, ideal for your coffee or lunch break, visit the pleasant Piazza Mercantile, a popular local meeting place. There you can see the part of not-so-pleasant history of Bari, the Colonna della Giustizia, where criminals were tied for public ridicule. The square expands to the Piazza del Ferrarese, with the triple apse of the Romanesque Vallisa church, one of the oldest in the city. Also, Borgo Murattino is a must. When you get there, you’ll see why. You’re welcome.
The Barese like their theatre and are great patrons of the performing arts. The red facade of the Teatro Petruzzelli does not go unnoticed and ranks among the top theatres in Italy. Unfortunately a fire in 1991 destroyed a big part of the theatre, but it has been fully restored and now it is the hub of Bari’s cultural life which attracts big names as it used to, like Pavarotti and Nureyev.
What about beaches? Who wouldn’t care for one (or few, even better) days relaxing, swimming and getting a nice tan? Bari has that, too. Take advantage of your stay especially because you are able to do it on maybe the most beautiful coastline in Italy. So, have a swim in crystal blue sea in Polignano a Mare, where you can choose between rocky and sand beaches, the most popular one of which is Cala Porto, with its characteristic round white stones. Cala Paura is the most visited by the locals, as well as Porto Cavallo, for families who prefer sand beaches. In case you want some special comfort, try San Giovanni beach, since it provides showers, sunshades, sun beds and beach huts. We also recommend Monopolis and Giovinazzo, the charming places ideal for tourists. The perfect way to end your day after some relaxing is a little bit more chilling, so stroll along the city’s promenade (it. lungomare), the longest seafront in Italy, and have a drink or dinner there, or just sit on the bench and watch the sunset while eating delicious Italian gelato.
Could you really say you’ve been to Italy without some fine dining? Restaurants like Biancofiore, Tatami and Giannino are waiting to serve you the best of Italian specialties, so don’t miss an opportunity like this. The city is well-known for its seafood, so even if you don’t like it, we’re sure you’ll change your mind after only one bite.
Last, but not least, Bari Vecchio is like a cherry on top of this sweet getaway. Old Bari is the part of the city inside the city walls, constructed on a peninsula right next to the Old Harbour. Its narrow, cobbled streets and small squares are ideal for exploration. With 40 churches, a cathedral and a basilica and the scene of children playing in the streets, old men sitting and watching the world go by and mothers cooking the traditional Puglia orrecchiette, this old part of the town is still full of life.
If you don’t feel like walking your day through it, have a good cyclo-tour or while sitting in the rickshaw. Either way, you’ll enjoy Bari.
