More than the Usual
Bari, the capital of the southern province Apulia with its 320,000 residents is not only a vibrant and impressive university and harbour city. It is much more than a tourist hotspot and tourist paradise, even though it seems as such!
Get Exploring!!!
The city is definitely worth a visit! Bari is composed of two very differing city quarters. The old city feels almost north-African/Arabic due to its architecture. It surpasses expectations with an unbelievable abundance of arts and cultural treasures. A wander through the winding paths with their two-storied building, with neat, spotless whitewashed façades displays an unforgettable charm. A highpoint of a sightseeing tour is the basilica ‘San Nicola’ near to the quayside, and the Romanic cathedral ‘San Sabino’ built between 1170 and 1178. ‘San Nicola’ is the city’s landmark. This building, built between 1087 and 1196 in the Romanic style is surrounded by three impressive courtyards that belong to the monastery, a belonging to the cathedral. A particularly wonderful occasion is the antiques market that finds itself here every third Sunday of the month. On the inside of the church you will find the ‘The Bishops Seat of Elias’, dating back to 1098, and has a particular art/historical value.
Induldge in Shopping Pleasure
On the western edge of the city you will find the ‘Castello Svevo di Bari’. The monumental building with a view of the harbour was built in multiple stages of construction since the 12th Century. It was later used as a dungeon for a long time. Today, the castle is accessible to the public and houses a museum, where you can view various exhibitions throughout the year. The other part of the city is a modern business district, including a pedestrianised district with top-class boutiques. Here you can indulge yourself in all the pleasures of shopping. In the pedestrianised district you will find the most beautiful shoe shop in the region. Here you have the offer of a unique style of production. Between the shops, the cafes beckon you for a relaxing break. And everything amongst that incomparable, lively flair of a fantastic south-European city!
Relax Around the University
In the modern part of the city you will find the ‘Pinacoteca Provinciale’. It houses one of the most beautiful collection of paintings in southern Italy and is for this reason alone definitely worth a visit. Museum lovers and those interested in history will find the ‘Museo Archeologico Nazionale’, found in the first for of the university at ‘Piazza Umberto I’ completely worth while. Archaeological objects are on display from the whole of Apulia. Greek-Roman objects are the main focus. If you are tired all of the tourist and shopping areas, then the surroundings of the university are the right place for you! Shaded parks make you want to relax the whole day long. Here you will find peace and tranquillity. Bari is an ideal place for excursion into this charming province. Should you have not had enough of the city and the sights, then you should take your hired car to Trani and take a ride on the comfortable ‘Poligano a Mare’. For a wind-down of city life, take a trip to the ‘Costa di Bari’. Here you’ll spend your time on sandy beaches and a great time splashing around in the sea!
