Bari, Have fun on the Other Side of the Adriatic

If I told you that you could have a great time on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, in a city other than Venice, would you believe that? The second largest city in the south of Italy promises to give you just that and more.

Bari, a coastal beauty buzzing with beautiful city life, historical monuments, beaches and the friendliest of people, invites you for a visit.

With fascinating Mediterranean summers during which you can enjoy walking through the city or get more enjoyment by cycling, Bari’s diversity will surely captivate you. The summer season in Bari is the busiest of the year, especially in August, with Italians making up most of the tourists as they enjoy their summer vacation.

If milder weather is more appealing, you might want to start your trip by September when the crowds have lessened and the heat has winded down.

Bari is the largest urban and metro area overlooking the Adriatic. It maintains its role as an old commercial centre and busy trading port by being the busiest passenger port in the Adriatic, with regular ferry links to the Balkans and Greece. Thought to have been established by the Greeks, Bari’s history isn’t void of colours.

Falling into the hands of the Romans, Lombards, Byzantines and Normans repeatedly, the city proved it could survive destruction and rebuild. The city’s port, mentioned in history as early as 181 BC, suffered two horrendous explosions in 1943 and 1945, after which the harbour was closed. Yet, the city of Bari showed resilience and strength through rebuilding after such incidents. The city’s harbour continues to hold great importance to this present day.

A main dish of history with an appetizing seaside, a side of charming festivals and nightlife and local Italian cuisine for a dessert. The city of Bari, Italy, is one delicious meal you must not skip.

How to get to Bari?

1. Fly in: Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport is Bari’s international airport. It’s located about 8 kilometres northwest of the town centre. It receives flights from around the world, some of which are from carriers such as Alitalia, Lufthansa, and Ryanair. For about 30 Euros, a taxi can take you from the airport to the city centre. You can also use the train, one leaves every half an hour, as the railway line directly links the airport with the central train station, Bari Centrale, where a ticket would cost you just 5 Euros.
2. By train: Bari Centrale is Bari’s central railway station in Piazza Aldo Moro. It is directly linked to most Italian cities, such as Rome, Naples, Milan, and Taranto. Inside the station are information desks for tourists, ticket machines, bars, and waiting rooms. To check train schedules and ticket prices, visit the Trenitalia site, which handles all train tickets around Italy.
3. By bus: If you’re travelling in a group, you can travel to Bari by bus. Bus fares and schedules can be found on the website BusCenter. The site lets you pick departure and destination stops, suitable departure times, and prices. Booking a bus ticket in advance is more advised to avoid high prices.
4. By ferry boats: Ferry rates can change depending on the working season; a ticket during the low season can cost 16 Euros, while it can rise to over 30 Euros during the mid-season. It’s always good to check the rates before taking this route during your travel. Check the length of the ride and price rates on the site Ferries.gr which is an online ferry booking site.
5. By car: Fancy a road trip? You can get to Bari by renting a vehicle from your starting point. If you start at Rome, for example, a car drive will take about 4 hours and a half for the entire 457 kilometres using the A1/E45 and A16/E842. Or you can take the Autostrada A14/Autostrada Adriatica/A14, which will get you there in almost 5 hours for the entire 504 kilometres.

If you start from Naples, however, closer to Bari than Rome, the longest route is 284.5 kilometres and takes 3 and a half hours. The fastest route is 260.8 kilometres through the A16/E842 and Autostrada A14/Autostrada Adriatica/A14, and the trip takes less than 3 hours.

Always check airline, railway, and bus websites before planning your trip to get the best ticket deals. The further you book your ticket from the desired date, the better your deals will be. To get around Bari, you can use public transportation buses that cost just 1 Euro or 1.50 Euros if you buy them on board.

You can rent a car online from Expedia, which allows you to compare car rental companies’ prices and choose the best one. When going to the city centre, if you prefer, you can always cycle around to soak in the local atmosphere. Whichever means of transportation you use to reach Bari, the city promises it is worth your effort.

Experiencing the best of Bari

This city on the south side of the Adriatic Sea has its share of monuments that charm visitors, both Italians and foreigners. You can walk in the old town of Bari, exploring and marvelling at old buildings and neighbourhoods that the government invested in renovating in recent years. These streets are full of so much architectural heritage that it can be overwhelming.

Churches, castles, theatres, art galleries and local restaurants are some of the stops you’d want to make during your trip to this city’s beauty. Here, we’ll explore the best things to see in Bari and the relaxing and romantic things to do.

1. Barivecchia (Old Bari): The intertwining streets and passageways comprising the city section to the north of the modern Murat area. You can lose yourself in the heritage of this Adriatic city and immerse yourself in its history.
2. Basilica di San Nicola (The Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas): This vital pilgrimage destination is highly religious throughout Europe and the Christian world. Built between 1087 and 1197, this church is the most important monument in Bari. It is alleged that it is the final resting place of the relics of Saint Nicholas, who passed by the city of Bari on his way to Rome and chose it as his burial place.

This venerable church radiates the vibe of a castle, mainly because it was used as one several times before and because of the two low, massive towers framing its façade. During its lifetime so far, the church has undergone several restoration works. In the late 13th century, in 1456, and in the 17th century, some restorations were carried out; however, in the 20th-century restoration works, most Baroque-style additions were removed.

The Basilica has a museum which houses valuable works of art, such as a collection of 12th-century candelabras donated by King Charles I of Anjou. One of the most Romanesque sculptural works in southern Italy is in the church; a bishop’s throne (a cathedra) was finished in the late 11^th century for Elias. Consisting of 26 columns, the crypt, which houses Saint Nicholas’ relics, shows capitals of Byzantine and Romanesque style. Queen Bona Sforza’s tomb, Queen of Poland from the 16^th century, is one of the treasures in the basilica.

3. Bari Cathedral (Cathedral of Saint Sabinus): This cathedral, which houses the relics of Saint Sabinus, which were brought in the 9th century, stands on the remains of several older churches. A cathedral in the area is mentioned since the 6th century but was most likely destroyed in the 9th or 10th century. Another church was built in 1034, only to be killed by William the Wicked (William I of Sicily) in 1156.

Finally, at the end of the 12^th century, the current cathedral was built using materials from the previous churches and neighbouring destroyed buildings. The new cathedral was consecrated in 1292. During the 18th century, parts of the church were refurbished in the Baroque style; other extensions and refurbishments took place to restore the Romanesque appearance of the interior in the 1950s.

Adjacent to the cathedral, there’s the Diocesan Museum, where a precious document of Byzantine origin, the Exultet, is on display. In this manuscript, the images are upside down from the point of view of the priest reading the manuscript. This way, during the Easter Vigil, the faithful can look at the sacred drawings, and those who don’t understand Latin can understand what’s happening.

4. Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas: It is the leading destination for Russian pilgrims every year. The Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society, headed by the Grand Duchess Elizabeth, decided to build a church and pilgrim house for Russian visitors. The foundation began in 1913 in the rare Pskov-Novgorod style. In 1937, the church was sold to the municipality of Bari. The formal donation of the church from Bari to Russia took place in 2009.

5. Cathedral of Acquaviva delle Fonti (Co-cathedral of Saint Eustace): This is the main cathedral of Acquaviva delle Fonti, on the lower Murgia of Bari. The community’s patron saint is Saint Eustace. This church was built in 1158 on the ruins of a small temple with Messapian origins and a Romanesque style. It was later rebuilt in 1529, finished in 1594, and consecrated in 1623. Saint Eustace is celebrated every year on 20 May.

6. Cathedral of Altamura: This is the leading attraction site of the community of Altamura in the metropolitan city of Bari. It is a Romanesque cathedral with gothic solid influences, which probably took place in the 14th restoration. Construction of this church began in 1232, with restorations taking place in 1330, 1521, and 1547.

One of the cathedral’s most beautiful features is the rose window, which has 15 small, radially intermingled columns. On the arch of the portals, 22 panels with scenes from Jesus’ life are sculpted.

7. Chiesa di Sant’Anna (Catholic Church of Saint Anna): Dating back to the 11th century, it was initially built as a synagogue, known as “Scola Grande,” to accommodate the growing Jewish community in the city. In 2009, it was converted into a Christian church and a museum. The Church is located in the local Giudecca and close to the city harbour and the Cathedral. The white surface of the façade has several marble tiles showing real or fantastic animals drawn from oriental culture.

8. Santa Chiara (church of Santa Chiara di Bari): Located in the old town of Bari, it was once the church of Santa Maria degli Alemanni or Santa Maria. In 1492, the name was changed to Santa Chiara. The church underwent restoration works in 1539 and 1730. In 1975, the church was definitively closed to worship, and now it only opens on Sundays at 11 a.m.

9. The medieval church of San Marco dei Veneziani: This Romanesque medieval church is presumed to have been founded by the Venetians in 1002. Traces of the medieval building are still visible in the façade, decorated with rosary beads and a winged lion, the symbol of Venice and the Evangelist Mark.

10. San Giorgio degli Armeni (The Church of San Giorgio dei Martiri): This medieval church is located on the street of the same name in the industrial area of Bari. It is proposed the church was built in the 11th century. A plaque placed inside the church informs of some alterations made in 1920.

11. Santa Teresa dei Maschi (The Church of Santa Teresa dei Maschi): This baroque-style church is located in the old town of Bari. The Discalced Carmelites began building a monastery in 1671, and the church was built between 1690 and 1696. In the present day, the church is home to the “de Gemmis” Provincial Library for Culture and Arts, which was donated by Baron Gennaro de Gemmis in 1952.

12. Teatro Margherita (Margherita Theater): This Theater is a museum. The last time the building was used as a theatre and cinema was in 1979. On 1 September 2021, the first Architectural Festival in Bari was inaugurated. The event lasted until 20 September this year, manifesting in more than 60 exhibitions, conferences and workshops around the city.

13. Petruzzelli Theatre: This is the largest theatre in Bari. The city of Bari presented and accepted the plans for building this theatre in 1896. Works began in 1898 and finished in 1903.

The theatre hosted operas, ballets, and big concerts. Many great Italian artists, such as Carla Fracci and Lucian Pavarotti, have performed there, as have many international artists, such as Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles.

The theatre closed in 1991 after being destroyed by arson. Plans to rebuild it were begun and stopped several times until the theatre was reconstructed entirely with public money in 2008. Almost 18 years after the fire, the theatre reopened in October 2009 with Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot.

14. Teatro Piccinni: Named after the famous 18th-century Italian composer Niccolò Piccinni, born in Bari, this theatre was founded and opened in 1854, making it the oldest in Bari. In terms of size, Teatro Piccinni is the fourth Italian-style theatre in the region.

While restorations and bureaucratic problems kept the theatre closed for shows for some time, it was reopened on 5 December 2019—a marathon of symphonic, jazz and comedy concerts taking place. The following day, as the city celebrated its patron saint, Saint Nicholas, this marathon was gifted from the municipality of Bari to its citizens, who got to enjoy the shows for free.

15. Swabian Castle (Castello Svevo): This castle, which was used for exhibitions, was built by the Norman King Roger II around 1132. After William the Wicked destroyed the city of Bari, the castle was rebuilt and reinforced in 1233.

Walls encircle the castle except its northern section, which faces the sea and can be accessed from the bridge and gate on the southern side. The castle mainly comprises the Aragon walls and the central Hohenstaufen tower and has spaces open to the public for art exhibitions and special events.

16. Niccolò Piccinni Conservatory (The Conservatory of Bari): Once an esteemed music school, this conservatory was founded by the violinist and music critic Giovanni Capaldi in 1925,, making it the 14th music school in Italy. This music education high school was converted into a conservatory in 1937 and named after the 18th-century composer Niccolò Piccinni.

17. Orto Botanico dell’Università di Bari: This botanical garden is known by many names such as Orto Botanico di APS Parco Domingo Comunità Empatica e Sostenibile and Orto Domingo. The garden was established in 1955, opened in 1960, and doubled in size in 1964. The garden is open from Monday to Friday morning.

The garden includes a greenhouse and a herbarium that houses 40,000 specimens. It also has several collections, including ornamental and valuable plants, regional plants, and orchids.

18. Pinacoteca Provinciale di Bari (Provincial Picture Gallery of Bari): This art gallery and museum, established in 1928, is the most important in Bari. It is home to many 15th-century paintings and contemporary art. The museum displays a wide range of artistic works relating to the region of Puglia.

Initially located at the local government centre, it was moved to its current location in 1936: the province’s palace by the sea in Bari. The art collections include works by artists like Paris Bordon and Palma il Giovane.

Relaxing and Romantic things to do in Bari

Having spent some time getting yourself acquainted with Bari’s monuments and historical sites, some relaxation time on a sandy beach is just what you need. Bari offers many beach gateways to set your mood straight and help you relax.

1. Pane e Pomodoro Beach: Only a 20-minute walk from the city centre, this beach gives you a choice between a sandy and a rocky shore. You can enjoy gelato with a cafe and vendors while filling your lungs with that iodine-filled air. The waters at this beach are shallow, so it’s safe for children to play in them.
2. Torre Quetta: By train, bus, metro or light rail, you can get from the city centre to this much-loved beach by locals and tourists. A stroll along the beach reflecting the last rays of sunlight for the day will purify your soul. Many services are available at your disposal, such as fish restaurants, pizzerias, canoes and games for children, to name a few.
3. Lido San Francesco: This popular seaside site lets you rent a lounger and a parasol to sunbathe by the beach. If you fancy a bite, a fish restaurant with the freshest and most delicious seafood dishes is available at your service.

Food, fun things to do and shopping in Bari.

You might’ve noticed by now that Bari has everything to offer, including several yearly festivals such as the Festival of Saint Nicholas. You can try local dishes such as homemade orecchiette and the famous ear-shaped pasta, and you can enjoy gelato with flavours depending on the season of your visit.

1. Festa di San Nicola Patrono di Bari (6 December): On the day of the Festival of Saint Nicholas, the Patron Saint of Bari, masses start early in the morning, as early as 4 a.m. Many fast food stands fill the old town. The city’s leading celebration of Saint Nicholas occurs from May 6th to the 8th, with historical reconstructions, popular music, and a two-day fireworks contest. Pilgrims worldwide flock to Bari to venerate the city’s patron saint.
2. Bari International Film Festival (25th of September—2nd of October): Held annually since 2009, the festival’s 12th edition took place this past September. Over the years, the festival has attracted over 75,000 spectators worldwide, making it one of the leading cinematic events in Italy.
3. Fiera del Levante (September): This exhibition stands worldwide. This conference hall hosts musical events and should be on your list of fun things to do. The centre closes every day at 10 p.m.
4. Orecchiette: One of the local things to do is try the city’s renowned ear-shaped pasta, which the city’s grandmas have made for centuries. This famous pasta is made without eggs and dried in mesh screens of wooden trays outside their doorways. The ladies sell their pasta to the locals and tourists by the kilo.
5. Tiella: If you prefer a change from pasta dishes, try this local dish of rice and mussels.
6. Burrata: This creamy ball of mozzarella-like cheese is nothing short of decadent, and there’s no better place to try it.
7. You can buy bags, shoes, and pottery on your Bari shopping spree. Via Sparano da Bari has high-class labels such as Louis Vuitton, and other shops are on Via Argiro.

As you sit thinking about the destination of your next trip, come to Bari, we promise you wouldn’t want to leave.

Benvenuti a Bari!