The Best Travel Guide to Bari

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Bari

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Europe Italy Bari

Overview

Bari The guide was updated: 2022-12-12

Bari, a typical maritime and market city, is the capital of the Apulia region and the second biggest city in the south of Italy. The city developed industrially in the second half of the twentieth century and now boasts an important trade fair, the largest in the south. Tourists visit Bari for its historic buildings, artwork and fascinating town centre, as well as for the beaches which surround the area.

Facts

Population:	316,491
Currency:	Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police, Carabinieri: 112 Emergency: 113 Fire Brigade: 115 Ambulance: 118
Newspapers:	Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno La Repubblica Corriere della Sera La Stampa Il Sole 24 Ore
Opening hours:	Shops in Bari are usually open from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00. They are normally closed on Sundays.
Tourist information:	Tourist Information Offices: Azienda di Promozione Turistica Piazza Moro, 33/A, Bari +39 080 524 236 1 Ufficio Informazioni e Accoglienza Turistica Piazza Aldo Moro, 32/A, Bari +39 080 524 224 4

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Section in Bari

Bari, a busy port city on the Adriatic coast might not quite yet be able to compete with Italy's other tourist magnets, but it's not likely to stay this way for long: the charming port town does not lack in history or culture. Bari has many stunning sites to offer, such as the Cattedrale Di San Sabino, known as one of the most important attractions in town, and the Castel Del Monte, a unique medieval manor house, 70 kilometres from the centre of Bari. Additionally, be sure to enjoy a walk in the beautiful Orto Botanico or discover the Grotte Di Castellana -- the famous caves of Castellana -- and visit the old town to capture some photos of the medieval buildings, take a nice stroll by the harbour, enjoy the beautiful sea view and watch fishermen at work. All the tourist highlights can easily be visited on foot.

La Città Vecchia (The Old City)

La Città Vecchia (The Old City)

The extraordinary Old City largely consists of narrow and winding streets, making it a charming place to stroll around. You will find all the important medieval monuments, such as the Swabian castle and many churches, including the Cathedral of San Sabino and the Basilica of San Nicola. When the hunger kicks in there are plenty of bars and restaurants to head for where to enjoy some yummy food!

Il Castello Normanno-Svevo (The Norman Swabian Castle)

Il Castello Normanno-Svevo (The Norman Swabian Castle)

This building was originated by Roger II (1139) and destroyed at least twice by the people of Bari, in protest again the tyranny of the Normans. Finally, Frederick II rebuilt it, almost completely, between 1233 and 1240 and thanks to him, today, we can enjoy a visit to this important piece of history.

Basilica Di San Nicola

Basilica Di San Nicola

This stunning, white-limestone church was constructed between 1087 and 1197 and has always held the remains of San Nicola (who is also known as Santa Klaus). It is both a Catholic and an Orthodox church and, partly for this reason, it is a place of annual pilgrimage for many people from all over the world.

Cattedrale Di San Sabino

Cattedrale Di San Sabino

Named in honour of Bishop San Sabino, Cattedrale Di San Sabino is the main church in Bari. It was originally built in Byzantine style in the 11th century but was destroyed in 1156 and thereafter it was rebuilt in Romanesque form, in 1170. The cathedral is currently one of the most important attractions in town: definitely a must-see!

Castel Del Monte

Castel Del Monte

Located 70 kilometres from the centre of Bari, this unique medieval manor house stands on top of a hill in the Apulian Murgia, 540 metres above sea level and 18 kilometres from Andria. It was built by Frederick II between 1229 and 1249 and is today a national monument and one of the best preserved medieval castles in Southern Italy. In 1996 Castel Del Monte was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Grotte Di Castellana (Caves of Castellana)

Grotte Di Castellana (Caves of Castellana)

This series of grottoes (40 kilometres southeast of Bari) are the biggest ones in Italy. They are 3 kilometres long and 71 meters deep, and include long underground passages and deep caves covered with hundreds of stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years by water erosion of the calcareous rock.

Alberobello

Alberobello

Alberobello is located 60 kilometres away from the centre of Bari and it's undoubtedly one of the most picturesque towns in the world, as it consists entirely of tiny Trulli houses. You will definitely fall in love with this peculiar, magical spot, so make sure to pay it a visit!

Orto Botanico (Botanical Gardens)

Orto Botanico (Botanical Gardens)

Take a walk in the beautiful Botanical Gardens, a living museum operated by the University of Bari. The garden was established in 1955 and contains a greenhouse and a herbarium with about 40,000 specimens. Here you can enjoy amazing collections of flowers and plants like orchidaceous, aizoaceae and Italian flora like grindelia robusta.

Acquapark

Acquapark

This is a fun waterpark for the whole family with great and welcoming staff. There are three pools: one for younger children, one with a wave generator and a large pool with different types of pool slides. Around the pools there are relaxing areas with chairs where you can stay in the shadow if it gets too warm. With all the swimming activities you might feel hungry or thirst soon, but do not worry there is a restaurant and café onsite.

Velo Service

Velo Service

With Velo Service you can get to know the city by bike. This is a fun way to discover the town with an expert guide who takes you to the most typical and charming places, or maybe, you could also choose the best bike and plan your own tour to explore the city! There is a third alternative, you can visit the heart of Bari in a comfortable and modern Rickshaw. The guide will take you to the most important places, telling you stories and anecdotes about the town and its people.

Trani

Trani

Only a short train ride away lies the lovely picturesque fishing port called Trani. On this great excursion trip you can enjoy the beautiful harbour, take a walk along the beach or visit the stunning cathedral. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés to choose from that serve lovely food. This charming town is well worth a visit!

The Waterfront

The Waterfront

It is highly recommended to take a walk along the beautiful waterfront for a nice overview of the city. While you are walking, take a minute and admire the skyline of the city with the bell tower of the Cathedral and the shape of the Basilica of San Nicola. Moreover, if you like to exercise, this is an ideal place to go running.

Adrenalin Zone

Adrenalin Zone

For pure adrenaline, you can head the Adrenalin Zone adventure park, an urban acrobatic park where you can easily spend some hours. The park is full of fun and challenging activities for adults, teens and children. With nearly 100 different steps and pathways, your balance and determination will definitely be tested. But do not worry; instructors are ready to provide all necessary help!

Altamura Cathedral

Altamura Cathedral

Altamura Cathedral was founded by Emperor Frederick II of Swabia in 1232. This is an important symbol of the town history and one of the four Palatine cathedrals of Puglia (the others are San Nicola in Bari, Barletta Cathedral, and Acquaviva Cathedral). The Cathedral has gone through major changes and is today an interesting tourist attraction.

Teatro Petruzzelli

Teatro Petruzzelli

At the Teatro Petruzzelli you can see operas and ballets: this is a good place to go if you enjoy classics such as Mozart, Verdi and Bellini. Remember to check the website for upcoming shows and choose among the countless options!

Scavi di Egnazia Museum

Scavi di Egnazia Museum

If you want to visit a museum that is typically Italian, you should check the Scavi di Egnazia Museum. These stunning ruins are divided in three parts, necropolis, city and acropolis: come here and experience the spectacular historical heritage of this area.

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