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Best attractions in Bari
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas is an Eastern Orthodox church building in Bari, Italy.
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.
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.
The Sacrario dei Caduti d'Oltremare in Bari is a military memorial that honors around 75,000 Italian soldiers who died abroad during World War II. Opened in 1967, it features a historical museum, a remembrance park with war relics, and the remains of soldiers, many of whom are unknown. The site is a place of commemoration, with ceremonies held on significant national holidays
Pane e Pomodoro Beach is a popular sandy beach on Lungomare Armando Perotti, just about 2 kilometers from Bari's historic center. The beach is family-friendly, with clean sand, shallow waters for swimming and snorkeling, and amenities like toilets, showers, and shaded areas.
Torre Quetta is an urban beach located along Lungomare Amando Perotti, slightly south of Bari's city center. The beach has a mix of sandy and rocky areas and is easily accessible by bus or taxi from Bari's train station.
The Chiesa di Sant'Anna in Bari dates back to 1246-1247 when it was built as a synagogue known as "Scola Grande." Located on Strada Palazzo di Città, the church was later converted into a Christian church and entrusted to the Confraternity of St. Anna.
The Orto Botanico di APS Parco Domingo Comunità Empatica e Sostenibile Bari, also known as the Orto Domingo, Orto dei Miracoli, and Hortus Botanicus Barensis, is a botanical garden in Bari, Apulia, Italy. The garden was established in 1955, opened in 1960, and in 1964 doubled in size to. It is operated by the APS Parco Domingo and is open Monday through Friday mornings. The site includes a greenhouse and a herbarium with about 40,000 specimens. The garden collections include:
Bari Light, also known as Punta San Cataldo di Bari Lighthouse is an active lighthouse placed at the base of Molo San Cataldo, on the west side of the harbour of Bari on the Adriatic Sea, in the southern region of Apulia, Italy.