Bari

the economic centre on the Adriatic

Bari, is the capital city of the southern Italian region of Apulia located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It was known in antiquity as Barium. Like other towns along the Adriatic, the town had Greek influences following by Roman rule when it became an important port. The city developed strategic significance as it was a junction point between the coastal road and the Roman road - Via Traiana.

Today, the northern section of Bari is on a peninsula between two modern harbours, with important sights that include the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the Cathedral of San Sabino, and the Norman-Swabian Castle.

When we travelled in Croatia, we returned to Italy, landing in Bari. That provided an opportunity to have a quick look and I knew we had to return.

On our 2023 trip to Puglia I drove to Bari to concentrate on its old town - Bari Vecchia. This was a few days after having my car stolen so I was a bit senstive as to where I would leave the car. I headed into the "new Bari central area" which is has its old sections as well, but has the look and feel of a grand Italian city. I found a managed garage, drove down the ramp (many of the garages in cities are located below buildings), an attendant came up to the car, recorded my license plate number, I gave him the keys and walked back up the ramp and headed a few blocks to the old section. Parking in a managed garage in Italy gives me a sense of comfort as I feel better knowing someone is looking after my car.

The broad Corso Vittoria Emanuele II is the street that divides the old and new Bari. Of course, a stop for coffee, and then ask Bari Vecchia, a destra, a sinistra?  She walked me to the door, point to the left and off I went. Far better process than trying to follow Google Maps!

• Bari Vecchia - The historic center of the city.

• Basilica of San Nicola - an iconic landmark of Bari built between 1087 and 1197. Relics of Saint Nicholas were transferred to the basilica by Pope Urban II. the three transverse arches were added in the 15th century earthquake that made the entire church unsafe. The Ciborium, over the high alter, dates from the 12th Century andis the oldest in Puglia. The remains of Saint Nicholas are under the central altar of the crypt.

• Petruzzelli Theatre opened in 1903 and the the fourth largest theatre in Italy. A fire in 1991 almost completely destroyed the theatre, but after 20 years of reconstruction it re-opened in 2009.

• The Swabian Castle - original castle built ion 1132, but it was very badly damaged during the reign of William the Bad. Frederick II of Swabia rebuilt the castle in the 13th Century, and then it was donated to the powerful Italian family: Sforza. They enlarged the castle.

• San Sabino Cathedral was destroyed in 1156 during an attack on the city. It was rebuilt and consecrated in 1292. Remodeling took place in the 18th Century. It holds the remains of Sant Sabinus of Canosa. His remains were brought to the city in the 9th Century.

• Simi Palace - A historic palace, which will be on my list of sights to see when I return to Barti. The Palace was build on the remains of a 10th Century Byzantine church, and that was built on the foundation of old Roman Buildings. The Simi de Burgis Family lived in the apalce until the early 1900s. It was then restored and today the basements have been transforemd into an underground museum. It shows the remains of ancient Roman buildingsk the Byzantine church and a small cemetery area with tombs.

• Diocesan Museum: A museum with religious artifacts

• Corrado Giaquinto Provincial Art Gallery - featuring works from local artists.

• Piazza Mercantile & Piazza del Ferrarese - Two of the city’s main squares.

• Lungomare Nazario Sauro - beautiful seafront promenade.