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    Bari

    Italy

    Bari

    CityCultureCulinaryBeach

    Bari is the capital of Apulia and has approximately 315,000 inhabitants.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Italy
    7. Apulien
    9. Bari
    Bari is the capital of Apulia and has approximately 315,000 inhabitants. In the winding old town, Bari Vecchia, stand the Basilica San Nicola with the relics of Saint Nicholas and the San Sabino Cathedral; on Via dell'Arco Basso, women shape orecchiette pasta outside their doorways.

    Sights in Bari

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Basilica di San Nicola

    1Basilica di San Nicola

    The Basilica was erected from 1087, after sailors from Bari brought the relics of Saint Nicholas from Myra in Asia Minor to their city. The building is considered one of the prototypes of Apulian Romanesque. The relics lie beneath the altar of the crypt, whose one side apse is reserved for Orthodox worship.
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    Bari Vecchia (Altstadt)

    2Bari Vecchia (Altstadt)

    The historic center by the port retains its Byzantine layout, with 11th to 17th-century buildings and some 40 churches. In Via dell'Arco Basso, women form Orecchiette outside their front doors and sell them directly. Basilica San Nicola, Cathedral, and Castle are close by.
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    Castello Normanno-Svevo

    3Castello Normanno-Svevo

    The Norman King Roger II had the castle built from 1131 on the edge of the old town. After its destruction in 1156, Frederick II had it rebuilt. Today it hosts exhibitions, including a Gipsothek with casts.
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    4Murales a cura di Retake

    The Murales a cura di Retake in Bari represent a significant chapter in urban art and civic engagement. The Retake Bari initiative is dedicated to enhancing the city's appearance by transforming formerly neglected areas into expressive murals. These artworks are predominantly found in neighborhoods being revitalized through community projects, and they often tell stories of local identity, historical events, or social concerns. The stylistic range is wide, from detailed figurative representations to abstract compositions, reflecting the diversity of Bari's contemporary art scene.A visit to these murals offers an authentic insight into the city's cultural dynamic. For a focused exploration, a stroll through the Libertà district or the Murat district is recommended, where a high concentration of works can be found. Pay attention to the specific messages and artistic execution. Practical tip: The morning hours or late afternoon offer the best light for photographs and allow you to optimally capture the details of the artworks, while simultaneously avoiding the biggest crowds.
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    Cathedral San Sabino
    Church

    5Cathedral San Sabino

    The Romanesque Cathedral dates from the 12th and 13th centuries and was consecrated in 1292. The interior has been freed from Baroque additions and appears simple; the crypt was remodelled in Baroque style in the 18th century. Beneath the church are remnants of the Byzantine predecessor cathedral, featuring a floor mosaic.
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    Teatro Petruzzelli
    Attraction

    6Teatro Petruzzelli

    Opened in 1903, the Opera House is considered Italy's fourth-largest theatre. After a devastating fire in 1991, it remained closed for almost two decades and reopened in October 2009. It is located right in the center of Bari.
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    City walks in Bari

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Modern Bari: Elegance and Everyday Life in the Murat District

    Experience modern Bari in its elegant Murat district, laid out in the 19th century in a strict grid pattern. Discover magnificent Art Nouveau buildings, lively shopping streets and green squares that form the pulsing heart of the city today. This walk shows a completely different side of Bari, away from the medieval lanes of the old town.

    ~1 Std. 50 Min.
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    Stops (8)

    Restaurants & Cafes

    Ristorante Biancofiore

    For lovers of fresh seafood, Ristorante Biancofiore is an excellent choice. Here, you'll find refined fish dishes in an elegant setting, exquisitely bringing the flavors of the Adriatic to your plate. A reservation is often recommended.
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    Panificio Fiore

    A visit to Panificio Fiore is a must for anyone who wants to experience authentic Bari. Here you'll find the famous Focaccia Barese – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, topped with tomatoes and olives – a perfect snack for any time and a taste experience you won't forget.
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    La Tana del Polpo

    Are you looking for traditional Apulian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere? Then 'La Tana del Polpo' (The Octopus's Den) is exactly the right place. As the name suggests, octopus and other seafood are the stars of the menu here, prepared according to old family recipes.
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    Mastro Ciccio

    For a quick, but incredibly delicious street food experience, visit Mastro Ciccio. Famous for its creative gourmet sandwiches and delicious Panzerotti, this hotspot offers a modern take on local specialties, perfect for a casual lunch.
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    1

    Ristorante Pizzeria Al Raffaello

    At Ristorante Pizzeria Al Raffaello in Bari, you'll discover diverse Italian cuisine, distinguished by its exceptional inclusivity. Here, you'll find not only classic Neapolitan pizzas and traditional pasta dishes but also an impressive selection of gluten-free and vegan options that truly satisfy. The ambiance is bright and modern, creating a pleasant and casual atmosphere, ideal for a relaxed lunch or dinner. A particular highlight is the quality of the gluten-free pizzas, prepared with a crispy crust and fresh ingredients, and often barely distinguishable from the original. To ensure a smooth visit, especially on weekends, a reservation is recommended. Prices are in the mid-range segment, offering good value for money for the quality and selection provided.
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    Eating & Drinking in Bari

    Bari's gastronomy is deeply rooted in Apulian tradition, characterized by fresh seafood and regional specialties. In the old town of Bari Vecchia, you'll discover authentic Orecchiette, while establishments like Ristorante Biancofiore offer upscale cuisine, and street food from Panificio Fiore completes the picture.

    Focaccia barese

    Focaccia with tomatoes, olives, oregano and olive oil, the olives traditionally with pit.

    Orecchiette

    In Via dell'Arco Basso in the old town, women hand-make pasta outside their homes and sell it directly.

    Panzerotti

    Dumplings, usually fried, classically filled with tomato and mozzarella. In the Province of Bari, they are recognized as a traditional product.

    Crudo di mare

    At Molo San Nicola, fishermen sell raw octopus and small squid directly from their boats or from folding tables. The harvesting of sea urchins is prohibited in Apulia until June 2029.

    Riso, patate e cozze

    Layered dish of rice, potatoes, onions, and mussels, also called Tiella.

    Culture and History

    Bari developed in Roman times along the Via Traiana and, from 975, was the seat of the Byzantine Katepan, the governor for Southern Italy. In 1071, the Normans conquered the city.In 1087, sailors from Bari brought the relics of Saint Nicholas from Myra to the city. The Basilica San Nicola, erected over them, is considered one of the prototypes of Apulian Romanesque; an apse in the crypt is reserved for Orthodox worship. The Romanesque Cathedral San Sabino was built in the 12th and 13th centuries. Roger II had the Castello Normanno-Svevo built in 1131; Frederick II rebuilt it.Bari Vecchia preserves its Byzantine street plan and has about 40 churches. On Via dell'Arco Basso, women still make Orecchiette before their doorways. From 1813, the new town developed under Joachim Murat.

    Nightlife

    Bari's nightlife centers on relaxed aperitivo evenings and a selection of bars. Most options are found in the New Town and the Murat district, where venues like the Morgana American Bar or the INTERNO12 Boutique Bar serve drinks.
    1

    KARA Bari - Karaoke Experience

    Bar in Via G. Petroni.
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    2

    Baris cocktail bar

    Bar in Via Altamura.
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    3

    Gusto in Corso

    Bar in Via Guglielmo Oberdan.
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    4

    Morgana American bar

    Via Gioacchino Toma, 101, 70125 Bari BA, Italien
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    5

    Il Priscio - Bari Drinks & Food

    Bar in Via Alessandro Maria Calefati.
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    6

    Noise

    Bar in Viale Antonio Salandra.
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    7

    INTERNO12 Boutique Bar

    Bar in Via Giuseppe Bozzi.
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    8

    Prinz Zaum

    Bar in Via Cardassi.
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    9

    Baretto

    Bar in Via Roberto da Bari.
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    10

    Alterno

    Bar in Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.
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    11

    Gulp

    Bar in Via Enrico Pappacena.
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    On the go in Bari

    From the AirportFrom Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport, the Ferrotramviaria train reaches the city centre in less than 20 minutes.In the CityThe Old Town, New Town, and promenade are close together and can be reached on foot.Excursions by TrainFrom the main station, regional trains on the Bari–Lecce line travel to destinations such as Polignano a Mare. The Ferrovie del Sud Est connect Bari with Alberobello via the route towards Taranto. To Matera, you travel with the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane, whose station is located at Piazza Aldo Moro in front of the main station; the journey takes about 80 minutes. Check the current timetable before your trip.

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      • 1Basilica di San Nicola3 days
      • 2Bari Vecchia (Altstadt)4 days
      • 3Castello Normanno-Svevo5 days
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    Nearby

    Polignano a Mare

    Polignano a Mare

    Polignano a Mare lies about 33 kilometers south of Bari on the Adriatic coast. The oldest part of its old town sits on a rocky spur, dropping steeply to the sea; beneath, along the coast, lie numerous sea caves.In the town's center, the Lama Monachile cove cuts into the coast, spanned by the early 19th-century Bourbon Bridge; beneath it ran the ancient Via Traiana. Polignano is the birthplace of singer Domenico Modugno, commemorated by a statue on the waterfront.
    Apulien

    Apulien

    Puglia is the heel of Italy's boot and, with approximately 865 kilometers, has the longest coastline of all mainland regions of Italy. Between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas lie the Trulli villages of Valle d'Itria, the Baroque city of Lecce, Romanesque cathedrals by the sea, and vast olive groves.
    Alberobello

    Alberobello

    Alberobello is located in the Valle d'Itria in the Metropolitan City of Bari and is known for its Trulli, houses built of roughly hewn limestone using dry-stone techniques without mortar, with conical roofs made of stone slabs. Since 1996, they have been a UNESCO World Heritage site.The two Trulli districts are Rione Monti and Aia Piccola.
    Matera

    Matera

    Matera in Basilicata is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Its old town, the Sassi, comprises cave dwellings, rock churches, and houses carved over centuries into the tufa stone on the edge of a deep gorge. In the 1950s, the Sassi were evacuated due to poverty and poor hygiene; since 1993, they have been a UNESCO World Heritage site and are now re-inhabited, with hotels, restaurants, and museums in the caves. In 2019, Matera was a European Capital of Culture. Opposite the city, across the Gravina gorge, lies the Murgia Park, featuring more cave churches and the most famous view of the Sassi. The alleys and stairs are steep; comfortable shoes are necessary.
    Ostuni

    Ostuni

    Ostuni is situated on three hills at the edge of the Murgia, about 7.5 kilometers from the Adriatic coast. The lime-whitewashed houses of the old town have earned it the nickname Città Bianca, the white city.In the old town, alleys, stairs, and arches lead up to the cathedral with its late Gothic facade and a large rose window. Surrounding the city lies the Piana degli Ulivi with numerous monumental olive trees.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI