The modern-old Bari, with its Mussolini-built buildings, the port to explore the Adriatic and unique huts in Alberobello is a fascinating spot on the Italian Adriatic coast. This charming city has been a major harbor for the past two thousand years. It is the commercial and administrative capital of Apulia region (Puglia in Italian), and it is an economically vibrant place.
It is one of the exit doors of Italy, from where travelers leave to neighboring countries, on ferries.
It is located on the southeastern coast of Italy, between the Salento and the Gargano Peninsulas.
The city is 263 miles/ 423 km southeast of Rome and 164 miles/ 264 km east of Naples. The medieval characteristics and buildings of the old town, Barivecchia, are well preserved and cherished. Now you can find many hip bars and restaurants in this old town, which was the heart of the Roman and pre-Roman Bari.
A Little Bit Of History
When the Romans arrived, this was already a thriving city and later it became the seat of the Byzantine governor of southern Italy.
Alberobello town with its famous trulli houses near Bari
Under the Normans it rivaled Venice as a maritime center and with the seizure of the remains of St Nicholas it became a pilgrimage place. The city declined considerably after this, but was revived briefly by the king of Naples in 1813. He planned the expansion of the city with its grid-like street patterns, wide avenues and piazzas.
It was Mussolini who instituted a university and constructed many strident Fascist architectural buildings. However, the city lost most of its charms during the WWII and a heavy investment in redeveloping the old center has given Bari a new life.
Town square in Bari
Bari is one among the prosperous cities of Southern Italy and is a great place for shopping and dining options. It is the largest shopping district in Italy and you can find whatever you want from high-fashion boutiques to local souvenir shops.
A big seasonal event here is the Trade Fair that is held every September. The city also holds a huge celebration in May, in honor of Saint Nicholas, when people dressed in medieval costumes dance down the streets.
Local people celebrate the annual festivals devoted to saints with intensity and pride.
Port of Bari
Some of the famous people from this place are Giovanni Alemanno, Lino Banfi, Pope Benedict XIII, Pope Urban VI, Nico Perrone, Anna Oxa, Aldo Moro, Ivan Lusco, Mario Nuzzolese, and the list goes on and on.
Summers are very hot and winters are rainy, so spring and fall are the best seasons to visit.
Where is Bari?
- 82.6 miles/ 133 km from Foggia, Italy
- 95 miles/ 153 km from Lecce, Italy
- 164 miles/ 264 km from Naples, Italy
- 262.8 miles/ 423 km from Rome, Italy
- 287.6 miles/ 463 km from Ancona, Italy
- 547.4 miles/ 881 km from Milan, Italy
- 6.8 miles/ 11 km from Bari Palese Airport, Italy
- 71.4 miles/ 115 km from Brindisi Salento Airport, Italy
- 160.3 miles/ 258 km from Naples International Airport, Italy
Things to See
- Basilica di San Nicola
- Historic Center
- Castello Normanno-Svevo
- Seaside Promenade
- Museo Archeologico Provincale
Beaches
- Pane e Pomodoro Beach
- Cala San Giovanni
- Polignano a Mare
Excursions
- Alberobello
- Bitonto Walking Tour
- Conversano
- Bari Walking Tour
- Castel Del Monte
Bari, a strategic port during the crusades was invaded on several occasions by people of very diverse cultures, and their influence can be seen in the lifestyle and culture of the locals.
A visit to Bari throws light on their unique language, cuisine and architecture.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!
