Bari, the capital of Apulia on Italy's Adriatic coast, is the perfect starting point for a tour of the region. This lively university city combines Italian coastal charm with a modern flair. With a rich history dating back to antiquity, Bari offers historical treasures such as the , the , and the picturesque old town, Bari Vecchia. The city also captivates visitors with its picturesque harbor, excellent cuisine, and beautiful beaches along the Adriatic Sea.
Top 10 Highlights of Bari
Origin of Baresian Romanesque
Bari, Apulia
The Basilica of San Nicola in Bari, constructed between 1087 and 1197, is a stunning example of Apulian Romanesque architecture. As the first of its kind, it served as a model for other sacred buildings in the region. Built to house the relics of Saint Nicholas, which were brought from Myra (in present-day Turkey) to Bari, the basilica boasts an impressive interior that combines Byzantine and Romanesque influences. This blend is particularly evident in the 26 columns of the crypt, where the relics are kept.
Bari, Apulia
The Cathedral of Bari, also known as the Cattedrale di San Sabino, stands as an impressive example of Romanesque architecture. Constructed in the late 12th century on the remains of a Byzantine cathedral, its exterior is a modest facade of white-gray limestone that belies the splendor within. Inside, visitors are greeted by a spacious and light-filled nave, adorned with exquisite medieval frescoes.
Bari, Apulia
The Castello Normanno-Svevo in Bari, constructed in 1132 by Roger II, stands as an impressive fortress and a significant symbol of the city. Over the centuries, the castle has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, mirroring the turbulent history of the region. Its distinctive cylindrical towers, thick walls, and narrow windows were meticulously designed to withstand attacks.
4th largest theatre in Italy
Bari, Apulia
The Teatro Petruzzelli, opened in 1903, is Bari's largest theater and the fourth largest in Italy. It is renowned for its majestic architecture and stunning frescoes by Raffaele Armenise. After being destroyed by arson in 1991, it underwent a magnificent restoration and reopened in 2009. Today, it hosts a diverse program of operas, ballets, and concerts, attracting world-famous artists like Luciano Pavarotti, Rudolf Nureyev, and Frank Sinatra.
Bari, Apulia
The Teatro Margherita was built between 1912 and 1914 in the Liberty style. Uniquely situated on stilts directly in the sea, it was the first building in Bari made of reinforced concrete. Today, it serves as a museum for contemporary art. Inside, the splendid dome and the elaborate stucco work are particularly beautiful.
Archeological Museum of Santa Scolastica
Bari, Apulia
The archeological museum in Bari offers a fascinating insight into the regional history, from the Bronze Age to the medieval period. Housed in a historic monastery, the museum's exhibits houses ceramics, sculptures, and coins from various epochs, including Greek, Byzantine, Arab-Norman, and medieval eras. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the archaeological heritage of Bari and the wider Apulia region, with multimedia displays enhancing the experience.
Bari, Apulia
The Mincuzzi Palace, or Palazzo Mincuzzi, is a historic building located in the heart of Bari on Via Sparano, a prominent shopping street in the Murat district. This five-story building, constructed between 1926 and 1928, was designed by architect Aldo Forcignanò and engineer Gaetano Palmiotto. It was commissioned by the Mincuzzi family, well-known merchants in Bari, to house their department store.
Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas
Bari, Apulia
The Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas is an Eastern Orthodox church building in Bari, Italy.
Pinacoteca metropolitana di Bari
Bari, Apulia
The Pinacoteca Metropolitana di Bari, named after Rococo painter Corrado Giaquinto, boasts an impressive collection of artworks spanning from medieval to modern times. Situated in the historic Palazzo della Provincia, the gallery features significant works by Giovanni Bellini, Tintoretto, and Luca Giordano. Highlights include 15th and 16th-century Venetian paintings, exquisite Apulian majolica, and stunning nativity figures.
Bari, Apulia
The Teatro Piccinni in Bari, built in 1854 and named after the composer Niccolò Piccinni, is the city's oldest theater. Its neoclassical facade and richly decorated interiors showcase 19th-century architectural splendor. Following extensive restorations, the theater has been shining again since 2019, offering seating for up to 850 spectators.
Inspiration
Travel Information
How long should you stay?
That depends on your plans. Most visitors use Bari as a starting point for their road trip around Apulia and stay in Bari only for a day or two before continuing. It is doable to visit Bari Vecchia and the Basilica of San Nicola in a day, as well as enjoy a delicious meal. Nevertheless, we think it's more relaxed to stay for one night.
If you don't have a car, Bari is great as a home base to explore the nearby region by train and bus. In this case you can easily stay for 5 - 7 days.
Best time to visit Bari
The best time to visit Bari is in May, June, and September. The weather is warm but not too hot, with temperatures ranging from 20-28°C (68-82°F). It's perfect for exploring the city and doing outdoor activities without the summer tourist crowds. Autumn is also harvest time, and you can visit wineries and olive oil producers.
July and August are the peak season. It's the hottest time, the beaches are crowded, and there are numerous festivals. However, it's also the most crowded and expensive time, with temperatures over 30°C (86°F).
Low season is from October to April. The temperatures are cooler (10-18°C or 50-64°F) and there are fewer tourists. This is a good time to explore the city in peace and experience a more authentic side of Bari. Some attractions and accommodations might be closed, but the quieter atmosphere and lower prices make it a pleasant time to visit.
How to get to Bari?
By Plane
Bari has an international airport, Aeroporto di Bari-Karol Wojtyła, with good connections to many European cities. There are flights to Bari from cities such as Vienna, Munich, London, and Paris. Airlines like Ryanair, Alitalia, and Lufthansa offer regular flights to Bari. The airport is about 8 km northwest of the city center, and you can easily reach the city center by train, bus, or taxi. The train takes about 40 minutes to Bari Centrale station.
By Train
Bari is well connected to the Italian rail network, with regular high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo) from Rome, Milan, and Naples, arriving in Bari in about 4-5 hours. You can buy tickets online on the Trenitalia website or at the ticket counters in the station. The main train station (Stazione Centrale di Bari) is located right in the city center.Fancy a roadtrip?
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Day Trips
Bari is quite conveniently located for a range of day trips. You could even stay in Bari for an entire week and visit the region from here. Two of the must-see cities are definitely Alberobello and Matera, but also Castel del Monte and Trani are worth a day trip.
Alberobello
is famous for its unique trulli houses, which are whitewashed, conical-roofed structures that create a fairytale-like atmosphere. These distinctive buildings, some of which have been converted into restaurants and shops, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can reach Alberobello in about an hour by car or by bus.
Matera
, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is renowned for its Sassi, a network of ancient cave dwellings carved into the cliffs. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly special and is best explored on foot. Matera is about an hour's drive or 2 - 2.5 hours by train or bus.
Castel del Monte & Trani
Begin your day with a visit to the iconic , a 13th-century castle renowned for its unique octagonal shape and impressive architectural design. Located about an hour from Bari, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You can explore the castle's various rooms and take great photos.
In the early afternoon, head to the coastal town of , known for its beautiful seafront and historic charm. Just a 30-minute drive from Castel del Monte, you can have a small lunch here, before exploring the charming town. The Romanesque , which sits majestically by the sea, is just beautiful. Wander through the narrow streets of the old town, visit the , and explore the Jewish quarter with its historical . Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the harbor, where you can relax at a waterfront café and savor fresh seafood while watching the boats come and go.
Polignano a Mare
Located just 40 minutes south of Bari, is a picturesque coastal town famous for its dramatic cliffs and clear blue waters. Visitors can explore its charming historic center, enjoy views from Lama Monachile beach, and dine in unique restaurants set within sea caves. From Bari Centrale you can reach the city
in 50 minutes with the regional train.
Monopoli, beach town
, another coastal gem, is known for its stunning , historic old town, and lively harbor. It's a great place for a beach day. Historical highlights include the , , and the scenic Porto Antico. It’s easily reachable from Bari Centrale by train in about 30-40 minutes.
Ostuni
Known as the
White City due to its whitewashed buildings, is a charming town perched on a hill. You can wander through its narrow streets, visit the beautiful of Santa Maria Assunta, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Ostuni is about an
easy hour's drive or
1 - 1.5 hours train ride from Bari.
History
Bari has a rich and varied history dating back to ancient times. Originally known as Barium, it was an important harbor for the Iapygian Peuceti and later integrated into the Roman Empire around the 3rd century BC. Its strategic location made it a key point for eastward trade and a central fishery hub.
In the early Medieval Ages, Bari was a contested site, ruled by the Byzantines, Lombards, and Saracens at different times. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476, it was controlled by the Ostrogoths and then the Byzantines, who turned it into a crucial stronghold. Bari became the center of the Emirate of Bari from 847 to 871, when it was captured by the Frankish Emperor Louis II.
A significant event in Bari's history was its conquest by the Normans. The siege, led by Robert Guiscard, began in 1068, and culminated in 1071, ending over five centuries of Byzantine rule in southern Italy. This conquest was a pivotal moment in the Norman expansion in Italy and significantly influenced the region's culture and architecture.
During the Crusades, Bari was a prominent departure point for soldiers heading to the Holy Land, further cementing its strategic and economic importance. The Basilica di San Nicola, built in 1089, became an essential pilgrimage site, housing the relics of Saint Nicholas, which had been brought from Myra (modern-day Turkey).
During the Renaissance, Bari was conquered by the Venetians and continued to be an important trading center. Bari continued to develop into modern times, surviving periods of turmoil such as the plague in the 17th century and the Allied bombing in World War II. Today, it is known for its vibrant old town, historical architecture, and bustling port.
