Bari: The California of Southern Italy

Bari is a stunning coastal city in southern Italy. It is the capital of the Metropolitan City of Bari and the Apulia zone. Bari is the second-largest city in Southern Italy and was named the fifth-largest province in Italy. It is also the most populated.

Bari was called the California of the South due to its fantastic growth compared to other areas in the southern region of Italy. It is an excellent destination with spectacular food, castles, and churches. 

It is easy to get to the town by taking the high-speed train from any city in Italy or by plane from any major European city. There is also the adventurous route that you can take, crossing the Adriatic Sea by ferry from Albania, Montenegro, or Croatia.

The city consists of four different urban areas. To its north, you will find the old town on the peninsula between two modern harbours. In the south is the Murat quarter, the modern heart of the city, which is laid out on a rectangular grid plan with a walk on the sea and the central shopping district.

The History of Bari

Bari was founded by the Peucetians, an Iapygian tribe that inhabited western and central Apulia in classical antiquity. Many empires controlled it: the Greeks and the Romans. During the Roman reign, Bari was a connection between the coast roadway and the Via Traiana and is thought to have been the main focal point of a fishery. From there, Bari’s harbour was founded in 181 BC and became an essential location for trade and protecting the entire coast.

Many empires have always coveted Bari. The Goths, Lombards, and Byzantines ruled it. In 1071, it fell under the rule of the Normans and became the main town of Apulia. Crusaders often sailed from Bari. In the Middle Ages, Bari was ruled by lords like Hohenstaufens and the Sforzas of Milan.

In the late 15th and early 16th centuries, Isabella di Aragona, the princess of Naples, united Bari with her kingdom and lived there. Napoleon’s brother-in-law, Joachim Murat, built a new part of the city in the early 19th century, named Murattiano after him. The port then began to develop and grow once again.

During World War II, Bari suffered massive damage, and it was taken without any resistance by the British in September 1943. In December 1943, there was a chemical warfare disaster in Bari. It was the only European city to experience and suffer chemical warfare in World War II. The disaster happened when a German bomber attacked the port of Bari, which was the place where the Allied forces were stationed to begin their attack on Italy. Over 20 Allied ships were sunk in the overcrowded harbour, including U.S. warships. One of these ships was the Liberty ship John Harvey, which was carrying mustard gas.

The existence of the gas was highly classified, and the U.S. had not informed the British military of its existence in the city. This increased the number of deaths since British physicians, who had no idea that they were dealing with the effects of mustard gas, prescribed proper treatment for those suffering from exposition and immersion, which proved fatal in many cases. Because rescuers didn’t realize they were dealing with gas casualties, much additional damage was caused among the rescuers through contact with the polluted skin and clothing of those more directly exposed to the gas.

Once again, an explosion happened in the harbour in April 1945 when the Liberty ship Charles Henderson exploded in the harbour while offloading 2000 tons of aerial bombs. This explosion caused the death of three hundred and sixty people, and 1730 were wounded.

Industry in Bari

Due to the famous port in the city, which makes Bari a significant seaport in Italy, it takes great pride in its seafood industry, followed by several industries, including chemicals, machinery, printed materials, petroleum, and textiles, among the city’s economic contributions. Also, agriculture is outstanding in the province, and the most famous crops include cherries, tomatoes, artichokes, grapes, and table wine.

Transportation in Bari

The city has its airport, Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport, located northwest of Bari. The airport is connected to the centre by train services from the Bari Aeroporto railway station.

The city of Bari has the Bari Central Station, which is connected to the most important cities in Italy, such as Rome, Milan, Bologna, Turin, and Venice, and another mainline is linked to the southwards by the Bari Taranto railway and the provincial services also operate to Foggia, Barletta, Brindisi, Lecce, Taranto and other towns and villages in the area.

Tourism and Things to Do in Bari

Bari is a beautiful place to visit and offers excellent tours, especially in the ancient part of the city—called Bari Vecchia by locals. It’s a lovely medieval neighbourhood with many important churches. Let’s explore Bari’s attractions and places to visit.

1- San Nicola

It is considered the most popular attraction in Bari. Its construction began in 1087 and was finished in 1197. It is located in the old town near the harbour. It is one of the most outstanding achievements of Roman architecture in Apulia. Inside the church and above the high altar is a 12th-century tabernacle, and on the right of the altar, when you enter the church, is Madonna with Saints by Vivarini, painted in 1476. In the apse is a marble bishop’s throne and the 16th-century tomb of Bona Sforza, wife of King Sigismund II of Poland and the last duchess of Bari.

When you enter the church, you can find the tomb of Saint Nicolas and a plethora of notable sculptures and mosaics. The saint’s remains came to Bari from their original burial in Myra (now part of Turkey) when that city fell into Saracen’s hands, and the saint may have chosen the city of Bari as his burial place while on his way to Rome.

2- Teatro Petruzzelli

The theatre was built in 1903 and is considered the fourth largest in Italy. This theatre has hosted excellent Italian and international performing artists, including Luciano Pavarotti, Rudolf Nureyev, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, and Liza Minnelli. 1991, a fire destroyed the theatre, but it was rebuilt to resemble its former glory. It was reopened in 2009 with the Orchestra of the Province of Bari performing Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. This place is a great choice to visit. I’m sure you will love visiting it and enjoy its numerous concerts.

3- Bari Castle

One of the great attractions in the city is Bari Castle, a Byzantine-Romanesque building, but King Frederick II reconstructed it in 1233. After him came Bona Sforza, who converted it into a palace in the 16th century, adding the bastions and corner towers above the moat, and afterwards, the castle was used as a prison and signal station. Nowadays, the castle contains a museum with Apulian-Norman sculptures.

4- Borgo Murattiano

It is the business and commercial centre of Bari. Its streets, unlike those in the old neighbourhood, are straight and in an organized web, lined by beautiful buildings, many of which date to its early 19th-century origins. Others consider the styles that followed, especially Art Nouveau, called Liberty in Italy, to be popular at the turn of the 20th century.

5- Piazza Mercantile

Located on the east side of the town near the harbour, this square is a fantastic place to visit, and the architecture is unique and stunning to view. This square resembles a typical Mediterranean coastal resort where different coloured shutters cover the windows, washing hangs out on small balconies, and plants and shrubs line the rooftops.

6- San Sabino

San Sabino has essential remains of Norman adornments. It was built in the same place as a Byzantine cathedral after it was destroyed by William I of Sicily in 1156, and the construction was completed in the 12th century. You will find Saint Columba’s remains and other saints’ relics when you enter the church. In the cellar is an elaborately decorated painting of the Madonna and the relics of Saint Sabinus, brought to Bari in 844 from Canosa after being robbed by Saracens.

The archaeological excavations under the cathedral revealed layers of history from Roman through medieval times; English signage explains the finds, which include a paleo-Christian mosaic floor and a tiny chapel and altar.

7- Bari Provincial Art Gallery

For amateur artists, a beautiful art gallery hosts various artworks from the 11th century up to the 19th century. It contains works by many artists, including Paolo Veronese, Giovanni Bellini, and Tintoretto. There, you will find a wealth of high-quality art, including paintings from medieval times and artwork centred on the Apulian school of art and notable Italian artists.

8- Lido San Francesco

This is the right place to relax and enjoy the day and the sea air. It is located east of the old town centre. You will be amazed by the perfect golden sand and a stretch of clear blue water. Many activities and games are available, and you can find many shops, beach bars, and restaurants to enjoy.

9- Egnazia

It is an ancient city located in the south of Bari. It was founded in the 13th century and is where the people in the Bronze Age settled. The walls built by the indigenous people are still there, as are remnants of ancient Greek and later Roman civilizations. This place used to be an important port on the Traiana Road linking Rome to Brindisi, but in the 10th century, it faced successive sacking by Visigoths, Saracens, and Turks. There are still parts of the Traiana Road, theatre, forum, and two Christian basilicas from the Roman era. It is an exciting place for ancient history lovers and a great attraction. It is also only one hour away from Bari. 

10- The Town of Altamura

It is located one hour south of Bari. This town has retained its historical charm, and some of its original city walls still stand today. The prominent landmark of this town is the Romanesque cathedral, considered the city’s primary and essential attraction and was built by Frederick II in 1231.

The beautifully carved doorway on the main façade, from the 14th or 15th century, is one of the finest portals in Italy. It depicts multiple biblical scenes in a tiny space, including the Virgin and Child with two kneeling angels. Below is an uncommon Last Supper in infinite detail. Although the cathedral is well worth a visit, the town is fascinating, with gorgeous stone streets and archways.

11- Lungomare Nazario Sauro

Lungomare Nazario Sauro is a terrific seafront balcony running along the old harbour, the Porto Vecchio. When you go there, you will see the colourful boats in the harbour at any time of day. One of the most exciting things to do there is to arrive in the morning to see fishermen unload and sell their catch at the pier lined with fantastic architecture and whitewashed buildings. Also, you can have a pleasant walk in a beautiful atmosphere and the views out to the sea are amazing.

12- Via Sparano

Via Sparano is located in the new region of Bari, with its streets running from the Corso Vittorio Emanuele to the Piazza Aldo Moro. The street has unique shops and brands, including Disney Store, Emporio Armani, Pandora, H&M, Michael Kors, and Zara. Besides visiting the shops, there are also things to do, like relaxing at its multiple cafes, bars, and restaurants.

13- Alta Murgia National Park

It is one of Italy’s finest parks, located south of Bari. It offers a different kind of attraction to Bari’s usual sightseeing. The park covers a vast area of 677 square kilometres. It has an exciting landscape, from forests and open pastures to rocky outcrops and old abandoned villages. You can explore the Italian countryside in the park and use hiking and cycling trails. Also, you will find wildlife species, including wild boars, kestrels, and grey wolves.

14- Succorpo Museum of the Cathedral

If you enter the cathedral, you will have time to view this impressive structure. If you go underground, you will find a unique subterranean world with many Roman Ruins. It also includes part of a 2nd-century road, a detailed mosaic from a former basilica, and elements of a 9th-century Byzantine church.

15- The Town of Alberobello

It’s a close town to Bari, where you can have a nice day trip. There, you will find tiny conical stone houses built from local limestone, many painted white. The ancient building technique is still used in many of its newer buildings.

Alberobello’s western side features two small hills covered with about 1500 Trulli houses. Many are still resident houses, some have been set up for guests, and many shops and cafés are prepared for the thousands of visitors who fill the narrow streets.

If you want to go to Alberobello by train, you can go to the south side of Bari Centro train station, on Via Giuseppe Capruzzi. The cost of the ticket per person, one way, is 4.90 euros, and the trip takes one and a half hours.

16- Bari Ferris Wheel

Like many cities worldwide, Bari has an observation wheel that sits along the waterfront, similar to the London Eye. When you ride it, you will see the fantastic city of Bari from above. During the daylight hours, you can see the whole city from a unique angle as you can go above the city’s rooftops. In the evenings, you can enjoy the beauty of the sun setting over the city, turning the rooftops with beautiful colours as golden hour hits.

17- The Russian Church

The church is located in the centre of Bari. It was built in honour of Saint Nicholas and to house the number of Russian pilgrims visiting Saint Nicholas’s relics. The inner part of the church is fantastic and decorated with a vast golden altar. The saint is an essential figure in the Russian Orthodox Church, and many Russians have undertaken pilgrimages to Bari to visit the relics over the years. Remember that you must be dressed modestly when visiting, and women must have their heads covered.

18- Castellana Caves

One of the beautiful places you shouldn’t miss when you visit Bari is the Castellana caves. They were first explored in 1938, and it’s estimated that they have been there for more than 90 million years. The complete itinerary covers a distance of 3 km and lasts about two hours. The partial itinerary covers a distance of 1 km and lasts 50 minutes.

It is recommended to visit the 3 km tour, which will allow you to marvel at the best chambers, including the impressive White Cave. This vast chamber features an opening on its roof through which bright sunlight enters the cave and fantastically illuminates its walls.

19- Orecchiette, the Local Pasta

Every city in Italy has its way of making pasta, and Bari is one of those cities. You must try it if you visit the city. You will find Orecchiette pasta, which is very famous in the city. Due to its appearance, it is roughly translated as the little ear. If you go to a restaurant, try Orecchiette alla Barese, a pasta dish with broccoli rabe or turnip greens. 

Places to Stay in Bari

With all these attractions, you will need more than one day to visit Bari, so we recommend more than one hotel.

IH Hotels Bari Oriente

The hotel has a lovely roof garden and an internal courtyard with a complimentary breakfast. It’s also close to the old town.

Palace Hotel

It has affordable rates and rooms overlooking San Nicola Basilica and the castle.

Palazzo Calo

This hotel might not be near the attractions, but it is about a half-hour walk to the old town and a nice place to stay.

La Muraglia B&B

You will find it in the Old Town, just off the seafront promenade and close to the main attractions. This place has large apartments with balconies and a lovely rooftop terrace for guests.

De Rossi Holiday

It is close to the old town, and the rooms have a colourful vibe and are decorated in a tropical style, giving the place a bit of personality.

Il Trespolo Degli Angeli

Il Trespolo Degli Angeli is hidden among the winding streets in the heart of the old town of Bari. You can have breakfast on the terrace overlooking views of Bari.

The beautiful city of Bari offers more than just stunning views and amazing and unique attractions. It provides an entire experience, from stepping off the train or plane to the city. You get to experience the food, the culture, and the fantastic natural views. Whether with your friends or family, you will have a wonderful stay in this quaint Italian city.

To have the whole experience, try all our recommendations from this article. Then, let us know how your trip went; we’d love to hear all about it!