Trani

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Trani is an historical fishing port about 40 km north of Bari. In travel articles the town is referred to as a "hidden gem in Puglia". The town is a "slow city", a member of the organization Cittaslow International, founded in Italy to promote a slower way of life, protecting quality of life through healthier living, sustainability and culture.

On one of our previous trips to Puglia, we arrived in this town on a Sunday, and while the stotrd in thr town were closed, the level of people activity was high. This is one of those Italian towns where people walk along the strada to see and be seen! The town feels so authentic.

There are no "knock your socks off" tourist sites Trani. No list of five things you must see. No just be there an enjoy the town. It is scenic, right on the coast.

You won't find the cathedral hidden in the centre of a maze of narrow streets. The Centro Storico has all the narrow streets you would expect to find. The buildings are built in Trani's stone, a light limestone and the cream colour gives the town a great glow. The Piazza Teatro is a pleasant squre to visit.

In the historic centre if the Chiesa d'Ognissanti, a church thought to be built in the 1100s by the Knights of Templar.

But the Trani Cathedral sits right on the coast overlooking the sea. The Cattedrale di San Nicola Pellegrino has a bleakness about it that you won't forget. It was built in the 12th Century with the original bronze doors, now kept inside the church, are the works of a local artist, Barisano da Trani.

The Castello Svevo still stands. It is just past the cathedral. It also dates back to the 12th Century. It was one of the many castles that were built by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. Gone are the days when it was used as a prison. There is not much to see inside, but it felt good to walk about it and there are good views to the sea.

The old port is busy and the Sunday walk centres in this area.

We actually returned on a week day and I ended up picking up a great pair of frames for my prescription glasses. I had the Trani feel well after I left the town.

If you are travelling by train, the town is server by regional trains and about a 30 minute trip from Bari.