The attractions of Bari include ancient churches and cathedrals dating back to the era before our era. It is the oldest city in Italy, located in its south. The entire ancient history of the country is gathered in this city, and we will convince you of this in our article. Bari can surprise you with interesting sights that have accumulated over many thousands of years. Let’s see what is available for tourists in Bari!
Attractions of Bari
Bari is located in the south of Italy and is a port city. Its population is about three hundred thousand people. Saint Nicholas, as a figure, plays a key role in the city, which is why many cathedrals and churches have been built in his honor. Bari does not occupy significant trade niches for the country, but it plays a major role in the economy of Italy due to its well-developed tourism. Also, there is a major Italian airport located here, and a port that connects the cities of Italy.
What to see in Bari – Day 1
Basilica of Saint Nicholas
The first and most significant attraction on our list is the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, built in the early 12th century. Currently, it is the most important structure and the largest pilgrimage center for locals. The church is famed for its memorable interior and the altar dedicated to Saint Nicholas in the center of the hall.
The building stands in the center of the old town and immediately attracts tourists with its strict Romanesque style. Inside, there are beautifully painted frescoes, and the stained glass windows and ceiling depicting the saint also draw attention. Additionally, the church houses a statue of Saint Nicholas, which is carried through the city in a procession once a year.
Cathedral of San Sabino
The Cathedral of San Sabino, or the Duomo, is also an old church in Bari – it was built in the 13th century and is located very close to the first attraction. Inside, there are ancient frescoes and icons dating back to the 8th century, and the interior is notable for its depiction of mythical creatures. The church is executed in a style that combines Apulian and Romanesque elements. The cathedral, while quite austere, is also one of the main pilgrimage sites for locals. Inside, there are also crypts with the relics of saints, where believers approach and offer prayers. On the church wall, there are also marks left by crusaders during their campaigns.
Castellana
Castellana will amaze you with its fascinating landscapes. It is a huge underground complex of caves, with a total length of three kilometers and a depth of seventy-one meters. In the past, underground rivers flowed here, providing ancient people with fresh water. Then these rivers dried up, leaving only limestone rocks of various colors, which previously caused people trouble. Currently, the cave has been arranged for tourists and guests of the grotto. Now you can enjoy interesting landscapes and the stalactites and stalagmites of Castellana hanging everywhere. The underground passages have become quite large and impressive over the course of history.
Petruzzelli Theatre
Petruzzelli is the largest theater in Bari. Located in the New Town, it stands out among other buildings due to its bright color and Baroque-Neoclassical style. You will be amazed not only by its exterior, which features incredible detail in marble sculptures and balconies, but also by its interior. Inside, there is a spacious hall made in light tones, as well as a luxurious, large auditorium with a big stage, where the acoustics will allow you to fully enjoy the performances. If you love theater arts, you should visit this theater.
Bari Castle
The Bari Castle was founded in the 12th century AD as a defense against land threats. It was destroyed and rebuilt many times, but has retained its original appearance. This is the largest fortress of its kind in Bari and is one of the most visited attractions. You can climb the tower and enjoy beautiful views, as the fortress is located on a hill. Inside the building, there is an exhibition that tells in detail about the history of the castle, which will be especially interesting for lovers of history and battles. The architecture is quite strict, which also attracts the attention of tourists.
Archaeological Museum
The museum is located on the territory of the San Sabino Cathedral. It includes archaeological finds discovered in the ruins of Bari. There are elements of buildings, an old road, remnants of ceramic objects, and pieces of basilica stained glass. Through these finds, you can carefully study the history of Bari and how it has changed over several thousand years. If you are a lover of ancient history, then you should definitely visit both the cathedral itself, which is a landmark of Bari, and the museum, which includes interesting discoveries.
Ancient City Walls
The ancient city walls once served as a defense against maritime threats, but they have now lost their primary function. However, they remain a well-known local landmark, actively visited by tourists from around the world. Especially in the evening, the area around the antique walls is illuminated by lamps, giving them an even more yellow hue. Many couples choose this place for a romantic walk. You can also rent a boat to better view these incredible walls as an example of unique defensive architecture.
Old Town – Bari Vecchia
The old town of Bari is home to the most iconic attractions of the city, and the streets themselves are unique landmarks. You will have the opportunity to stroll through the local narrow streets filled with old buildings, where you can better feel the local life’s color. Also, within walking distance are the main cathedrals and towers, and in the area of Bari Vecchia, there are many unique cafes and restaurants where you can try the best dishes of Bari’s cuisine. You will definitely enjoy your time if you decide to walk through these memorable streets.
What to see in Bari – Day 2
Bari City Promenade
This is the official promenade of Bari, which is considered the most beautiful in the country. You can take a walk along the kilometer-long pathway with a view of the sea, and also feel the atmosphere of this ancient and attractive city. On the promenade, there are modern buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries, which add contrast to this area. In these buildings, there are many cafes and restaurants where you can not only enjoy local dishes but also have views of the wonderful landscapes of the city. Be sure to visit this place, especially in the evening when the lamps are lit.
Lido San Francesco Beach
Lido Beach is one of the most popular beach resorts in Bari. Here, you can swim in the sea, try local snacks at snack bars, and sunbathe using one of the numerous sun loungers. The sandy beach offers perfect infrastructure for both solo and family vacations. You can play volleyball or visit a souvenir shop to buy interesting items as mementos of this unforgettable resort. Be sure to visit this place!
Old City Port
Contrary to the general perception of ports, the old port of Bari is a small fishing port that does not have large dimensions or cutting-edge technology. You will be able to see a large number of moored fishing boats, and you can also rent one to sail a few kilometers across the sea and capture the most beautiful views of this area. In the port area, there are many fishing snack bars, including cafes, where food is prepared from products caught by fishermen in this sea.
Botanical Garden
The botanical garden, located near the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, is another local attraction in Bari. It contains about forty thousand different species of plants, including exotic ones that will amaze you with their uniqueness. The garden itself is not very large, covering only one hectare, but this area is sufficient to fully appreciate the diversity and richness of Bari’s nature. You will be able to see plants that grow only in this city and are not found anywhere else on the planet. If you are a lover of flora, a visit to the local botanical garden is a must.
Castel del Monte
Located on a hill, Castel del Monte is another interesting and unusual castle. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its significance for the city. The castle has a unique snowflake-like shape and was built in the 13th century. Despite reconstructions, its original appearance has been preserved to this day. The unique columns, equidistant from each other, create an extraordinary sight that will surely impress you with its atypicality. It is one of the significant and interesting architectural monuments worth seeing.
