Why Bari Should Be Your Next Italian Adventure: The Hidden Gem Everyone’s Missing

It’s an Italian city you occasionally hear mentioned, though you might not always know exactly where it’s located within the country. Yet whilst it may be less famous than Rome, Florence, Venice or Naples, Bari – for that’s what we’re talking about – has plenty to offer visitors both within its walls and in the surrounding area.

Where is Bari?

Bari is a major port city of over 300,000 inhabitants situated on the Adriatic coast in the Puglia region, in southern Italy. Put simply, the city sits at the “heel” of the Italian boot, 250km east of Naples and 450km from Rome.

From Bari, you’re also facing Albania, Montenegro and southern Croatia, as well as being at the gateway to Sicily further south. This makes the city a long-standing important transport hub, both maritime and now aerial. Indeed, during the season, Bari is well connected, particularly thanks to budget airlines, to the rest of Europe and half a dozen British cities.

Bari, a charming Puglian city

Bari is a city rich in history and culture. Its old town (Barivecchia) alone is worth the journey.

Here you’ll find the historic heart of the city with its maze of narrow streets, white houses, and palaces such as the Palazzo de Gemmis, the Petruzzelli Theatre which ranks among Italy’s most beautiful, several museums, and all those ancient churches you’ll discover whilst wandering around. Among them, the Basilica of San Nicola houses the relics of Saint Nicholas, the city’s patron saint, whilst the Cathedral of San Sabino remains a fine example of Romanesque architecture.

Then there’s the Norman-Swabian castle. Built in the 12th century, the building has been enlarged and modified over time. Its position offers stunning views over the city and port, along with that magnificent lively seafront filled with bars and restaurants, perfect for strolling and watching the sunset.

As for the Adriatic coast beaches, there are several around Bari such as Pane e Pomodoro, always popular with city residents, or Monopoli, whose town also boasts a lovely historic centre.

Three towns to visit around Bari

Even though it requires a bit of driving from Bari, don’t miss Lecce, Calitri and especially Matera. You won’t regret it.

Lecce, also nicknamed the “Florence of the South”, is this neighbouring city to the major port of Brindisi. It’s renowned for its exuberant Baroque architecture, its castle, ornate churches like the Basilica of Santa Croce, and its historic buildings constructed from local stone. Plus some ancient remains like this Roman amphitheatre which is one of the best preserved in Italy.

At Calitri, you’re in a completely different atmosphere. This small town perched on a volcanic ridge, inland, is first noticed for its historic centre dominated by its medieval castle.

As for Matera, it’s the region’s UNESCO site. This pleasant mid-sized town south of Bari is famous for its impressive cave dwellings, called locally sassi, its interior courtyards and rock churches. Then there’s also Matera’s cathedral overlooking the city and the beautiful Palazzo Lanfranchi which houses the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art with artworks spanning from medieval times to the present day.

Gargano National Park

This is the nature spot to visit north of Bari. It’s a vast natural reserve overlooking the Adriatic Sea. You can walk through varied landscapes of small lakes, forests, cliffs and beaches whilst observing a multitude of birds. The Tremiti archipelago, part of the park, is the most visited area with its crystal-clear waters that make you want to swim or dive. Not to be missed either.

> Infos : www.bariexperience.com