All SEE in Apulia

Faro Rosso is a lighthouse located on the breakwater of the port of Monopoli, in the Apulia region of southern Italy. Positioned at the entrance of the harbor, it serves as a critical navigational aid for vessels approaching the port from the Adriatic Sea. The lighthouse stands at the end of Molo Margherita, the southern breakwater that protects the port basin from sea currents and wave action. Faro Rosso directly overlooks Porto Vecchio, the historic harbor of Monopoli, and is located near the Castle of Charles V, forming an integral part of the city’s maritime landscape. Its distinctive red-and-white appearance makes it immediately recognizable from both land and sea. The lighthouse is operated and maintained by the Marina Militare, which is responsible for the management of navigational aids along the Italian coastline. Faro Rosso remains fully active and operational, contributing to the safety of maritime traffic entering and leaving the port of Monopoli.   Short History of Faro Rosso Faro Rosso was constructed in 1878 by local port authorities during a period of infrastructural development aimed at improving maritime safety and efficiency along the Adriatic coast. In the late nineteenth century, Monopoli was an important commercial and fishing port, and Read more [...]

The Port of Trani is a historic maritime hub on Italy’s Adriatic coast, located in Apulia in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani. It sits at the heart of the elegant seaside city of Trani, whose waterfront combines centuries of maritime tradition with modern leisure and tourism experiences. The port is known for its picturesque setting, fishing activity, moored yachts, and a lively promenade lined with restaurants, cafés, and bars that overlook the water, offering visitors a quintessential Adriatic atmosphere. Locals and tourists alike enjoy strolling along the harbour, watching fishing boats return with the day’s catch and enjoying panoramic views of the sea and the iconic Trani Cathedral nearby.   Short History of the Port of Trani The origins of the Port of Trani date back to the early medieval period, when the town emerged as an important Adriatic maritime centre. The city’s strategic position made it a vital departure point during the 11th-13th centuries, particularly during the Crusades, when it developed strong commercial ties with other Mediterranean ports and the Italian maritime republics. Trani issued one of the earliest surviving maritime law codes, the Ordinamenta et consuetudo maris in 1063, highlighting the advanced nature of its seafaring institutions and practices Read more [...]

The statue of Domenico Modugno is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Polignano a Mare and a powerful tribute to the legendary Italian singer-songwriter born in the town. Alongside the monument, the Lungomare Domenico Modugno, the scenic seafront promenade named in his honor, preserves the memory of an artist whose music left a lasting mark on Italian and international culture. The seafront is located in the northwestern part of the town and stretches along the cliff edge, offering panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. In its immediate vicinity stands the statue dedicated to Modugno, forming a symbolic link between the artist, the sea, and the place that shaped his early life.   Domenico Modugno Domenico Modugno was born in Polignano a Mare on January 9, 1928. His childhood was deeply influenced by music and popular tradition. His father introduced him at an early age to the guitar and the accordion, instruments that would become central to his artistic expression and creative development. As a teenager, Modugno showed an early aptitude for songwriting. At just 15 years old, he composed his first song, already demonstrating an instinctive ability to combine melody, emotion, and storytelling. This early creativity marked the beginning Read more [...]

Villa Comunale is the largest public park in Trani, located in the eastern part of the town’s harbour. The park is a green oasis which offers locals and visitors a refreshing escape from the bustling town. Known for its scenic views and diverse plant life, Villa Comunale is widely considered one of the most enchanting parks in southern Italy.   SHORT HISTORY OF VILLA COMUNALE Villa Comunale was inaugurated in 1824, and subsequently expanded thanks to the reclamation of the land immediately to the south, on the coast, in the area called Canneto. It was listed among the most beautiful public gardens in southern Italy in the 1937 edition of the Treccani Encyclopedia. On the central avenue of the park, located in front of the main entrance, there is the war memorial, sculpted in 1923 by Antonio Bassi. Walking along the avenue you come across a 19th-century chalet, home to exhibitions and cultural initiatives curated by local artists, and a bandstand, built in 1888 and recently restored and made functional again. In the avenues on the right are collected six milestones of the ancient Via Traiana, coming from the Ruvo-Canosa section.   DESCRIPTION OF VILLA COMUNALE Villa Comunale extends over Read more [...]

Castello Svevo (Swabian Castle) is a spectacular castle in Trani, located near the sea, not far from the Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino. The castle is known for its historical and cultural value and is also a popular tourist destination. In 2011, it was the third most visited state museum in Apulia, with a total of almost 50,000 visitors.   SHORT HISTORY OF CASTELLO SVEVO Before the current castle, Trani had already a fortification, whose exact location is unknown, built on the initiative of the Norman King Roger II, and destroyed in 1137. The construction of the Swabian Castle was begun in 1233 by order of the Emperor Frederick II, and the works were completed in 1249, according to the project of Filippo Cinardo, count of Acquaviva and Conversano. The castle was built on a rock located in the center of the Trani harbor, in a shallow water area, which protected it from possible attacks from the sea. On the top of one of the towers overlooking the sea, Frederick II had Pietro Tiepolo, son of the Doge of Venice Jacopo Tiepolo, hanged. Pietro, podestà of Milan, was taken prisoner in the Battle of Cortenuova in 1237. Frederick’s son, Manfred, Read more [...]

Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, commonly known by locals as Borgo, is the central square of Monopoli and one of the largest urban squares in both Apulia and southern Italy. It represents the main civic, social, and spatial reference point of the modern city, acting as a physical and symbolic link between the historic center and the newer urban districts. The square occupies a vast rectangular area immediately outside the medieval city walls, marking the transition from the compact historic core to the planned expansion developed from the late eighteenth century onward. Due to its size, central location, and historical significance, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II has long functioned as a gathering place for public events, political demonstrations, social life, and daily urban movement. Surrounded by important streets, commercial activities, cafés, and public buildings, the square plays a key role in the everyday life of Monopoli. Its open layout and tree-lined sections distinguish it from the narrow streets of the old town, offering a markedly different urban experience while remaining deeply connected to the city’s historical evolution.   Short History of Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II was created in 1796 at the behest of the King of Naples as Read more [...]

Piazza San Benedetto is a small square located in the historical center of Polignano a Mare. Unlike the bustling Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, Piazza San Benedetto is less-traveled and exudes the tranquility and timeless beauty of this picturesque town. The square has a calm, almost contemplative ambiance that draws visitors who seek a quieter side of Italian life. Nearby cafes and small family-owned trattorias serve traditional Pugliese food, allowing visitors to enjoy regional dishes in a relaxed setting. Sampling a fresh espresso or a glass of local wine in the square feels like an authentic Italian experience, a way to immerse oneself in the local lifestyle.   SHORT HISTORY OF PIAZZA SAN BENEDETTO The square takes its name from the Benedictine order of monks, reflecting the area’s deep-rooted Christian heritage. Historically, the square and the structures surrounding it were central to the religious life of Polignano a Mare, especially in the medieval era.   ARCHITECTURE OF PIAZZA SAN BENEDETTO The square is framed by traditional whitewashed buildings with wrought-iron balconies, often adorned with colorful flower pots that add a touch of color to the scene. The square has the shape of a stylized amphitheater, with stands and benches, and hosts Read more [...]

Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II is a small picturesque square located in the historical center of Polignano a Mare. The square is a vibrant meeting place, where the people of Polignano gather for daily interactions, social events, and seasonal festivals. Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II is home to a variety of cafes, gelaterias, and trattorias, where visitors can sample regional Pugliese delicacies, including the town’s famed focaccia, seafood dishes, and local wines.   SHORT HISTORY OF PIAZZA VITTORIO EMANUELE II Once a marketplace in the medieval village, the square has remained the social focal point of Polignano a Mare since ancient times. In the past, the square was known as Piazza dell’Orologio, due to the presence of Palazzo dell’Orologio in its northwestern corner. Later, the square was named after the first king of the United Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II.   ARCHITECTURE OF PIAZZA VITTORIO EMANUELE II In the northeastern corner of the square, there is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta (Chiesa Matrice Santa Maria Assunta), the former Cathedral of Polignano a Mare. In 1818, when the small diocese of Polignano was merged with that of Monopoli, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta became the mother church of the village. Inside are Read more [...]

The Church of Santissima Trinita, often referred to as the Church of Trinita, is a small church located in the square of the same name, outside the historical center of Polignano a Mare. The Church of Santissima Trinita is remarkable in its simplicity, offering a tranquil space for worship and reflection amidst the bustling beauty of the Adriatic coast.   SHORT HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF SANTISSIMA TRINITA The Church of Trinita traces its origins back to the late medieval period, though it has seen several renovations and expansions over the centuries.   ARCHITECTURE OF THE CHURCH OF TRINITA The Church of Trinita is an example of traditional Italian church architecture, blending simplicity with intricate details. The exterior is marked by a modest facade, with natural stone finishes that have weathered beautifully over time. The interior of the church, with a single nave, is more elaborate than the exterior. The walls are adorned with religious frescoes and sculptures, and the altars are dedicated to specific saints.   HOW TO GET TO THE CHURCH OF SANTISSIMA TRINITA The Church of Trinita is located in Piazza Trinita, about 600 meters away from the Polignano a Mare railway station. On foot, from the Read more [...]

Palazzo Martinelli-Meo Evoli is a historic aristocratic palace located in Monopoli, built along the line of the ancient city walls, overlooking Porto Vecchio. Its position places it in close proximity to two of Monopoli’s most important landmarks: the historic harbor and the Castle of Charles V, forming a continuous architectural and historical ensemble that defines the northeastern edge of the old town. Palazzo Martinelli-Meo Evoli represents one of the most significant examples of eighteenth and nineteenth-century noble architecture in Monopoli, combining elements from different stylistic phases while maintaining a strong relationship with the surrounding urban fabric. Today, the palace is recognized for its architectural complexity, its layered historical development, and its prominent visual presence along the waterfront. Its façade overlooking Porto Vecchio contributes significantly to the scenic character of the Old Port area, where civic, military, and residential architectures converge.   Short History of Palazzo Martinelli-Meo Evoli The origins of Palazzo Martinelli-Meo Evoli are closely linked to the succession of noble families who owned the property over several centuries. The earliest documented owners were the Bandino family, followed by the Carbonelli and Lentini families. Each phase of ownership corresponds to periods of architectural adaptation and functional use, reflecting broader social Read more [...]

Porto Vecchio (Old Port) is the historic harbor of Monopoli and one of the most distinctive maritime landmarks on the Adriatic coast of southern Italy. Moreover, Porto Vecchio is widely considered the most picturesque area of Monopoli. It is located at the northern edge of the historic center, where the ancient city meets the sea, and has played a central role in the urban, economic, and defensive development of Monopoli for more than two millennia. The port occupies a naturally sheltered inlet that opens eastward toward the Adriatic Sea. This natural configuration explains why the earliest settlement of Monopoli developed precisely around this harbor area. Today, Porto Vecchio remains an active port, though its function has shifted almost entirely toward traditional fishing and small-scale maritime activities. It is the authentic home of the city’s typical fishing boats, known as gozzi (or vozz in the local dialect). These wooden boats are generally around five meters long and are still used daily by local fishermen. Painted in bright red, blue, green, and white, the gozzi are both functional working vessels and a strong visual symbol of Monopoli’s maritime identity. The red lighthouse marking the port entrance, the imposing Castle of Charles V overlooking Read more [...]

Castello di Carlo V (Castle of Charles V), is a sixteenth-century coastal fortress located in Monopoli, in the Apulia region of southern Italy. It was built during the period of Spanish domination as part of a broader defensive strategy aimed at protecting the Adriatic coastline from maritime threats, particularly Ottoman incursions and pirate raids. The castle occupies a strategic position within the historic center of Monopoli, standing on a rocky promontory known as Punta Pinna. This elevated and naturally defensive site overlooks the Old Port (Porto Vecchio), and commands a wide view over the surrounding sea. Castello di Carlo V represents one of the most important examples of Spanish military architecture in Apulia. Over the centuries, the fortress underwent several functional transformations, evolving from a strictly defensive structure into a residential building, then a prison, and finally a restored cultural venue. Today, the castle remains one of the most recognizable landmarks of Monopoli and a key element of the city’s historical and architectural heritage.   Short History of Castello di Carlo V The construction of Castello di Carlo V dates back to the first half of the 16th century, during the reign of Emperor Charles V, who ruled over a Read more [...]

Palazzo dell’Orologio, or Clock Palace, is a small palace located in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, in the historical center of Polignano a Mare. The palace is located a few meters away from the Church of St. Mary’s Assumption (Chiesa Matrice Santa Maria Assunta), the former Cathedral of Polignano a Mare.   SHORT HISTORY OF PALAZZO DELL’OROLOGIO The palace has medieval origins, and was, originally, part of a convent for nuns. Palazzo dell’Orologio was repurposed over time, and eventually became the seat of the city’s Town Hall. The two ground floor rooms were used as a warehouse for a while and, later, the room in the back was converted into a prison, as attested by the grating which is still visible in Via Tanese Innocente. In the second half of the 18th century, a clock was added to the facade, replacing an old sundial. A small part of the sundial is still visible today, under the clock.   ARCHITECTURE OF PALAZZO DELL’OROLOGIO The palace is built on three floors, with a facade embelished by decorations in Rococo style, particularly visible around windows, which hide the medieval origins of the building. Between the two windows of the first floor, under the clock, Read more [...]

The Church of Santa Maria della Stella is a church in Ostuni, located in an interruption of the northern walls of the city.   SHORT HISTORY In the first half of the 16th century, a poor widow, mother of three girls, took care every day, for a month, of an image of the Madonna painted in a niche in the wall of the city, located near a small gate called Porticella. Her gesture was gratified daily by a gift she found in the niche, a coin and a loaf of bread. The place soon became a destination for pilgrimages, and it was decided to build a small chapel in which to place the image of the Virgin. The structure was named, at first, Santa Maria della Porticella. In the last decades of the 16th century, the structure was expanded, and the new church changed its name to Santa Maria della Stella (Saint Mary of the Star). The local bourgeoisie was responsible for the decoration of the interior and for the private chapels of the church. Probably damaged by the earthquake of 1743, despite some interventions made in 1812, the church was closed for worship in 1835 and soon collapsed. Between Read more [...]

The Church of Santa Maria Vergine del Monte Carmelo, or shorter the Church of Carmine, is a beautiful church in Ostuni, located near the southeastern border of the historical center of the city.   SHORT HISTORY The Carmelite Convent in Ostuni, dedicated to Santa Maria della Misericordia, was built in the second half of the 15th century outside the city walls. The convent had a simple, square-shaped form, with a garden in the middle. The adjacent church was built between 1590 and 1593 by the master masons Nicola Francesco de Marseglia and Matteo de Molendinis, assuming the title of Santa Maria del Monte Carmelo. Around the middle of the 17th century, the church had twelve chapels decorated by wealthy citizens, but in 1775 the chapels were reduced to six, plus two minor ones. In the first half of the 18th century, some renovation works were carried out by the architect Giuseppe Fasano, especially in the presbytery area and in the side chapels. In 1810, following the suppression of the Carmelite order in the Kingdom of Naples, the church was entrusted to the care of the Carmine confraternity, active since the 16th century. In 1819, the Carmelites returned to their home Read more [...]

The Cathedral of Ostuni, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, is a beautiful church located on the highest hill of the city, right in the middle of the old town, in Piazza Beato Giovanni Paolo II. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built in the 15th century, was declared a national monument in 1902.   SHORT HISTORY Between 1228 and 1229, Frederick II of Swabia built here a Romanesque church, on the ruins of an Orthodox church erected prior to the year 1000. The construction of the Cathedral began after the earthquake of 1456, during the Episcopate of Nicola Arpone, and was completed in 1495. The church was radically transformed twice: in 1750, by the will of the Bishop Francesco Antonio Scoppa, and in 1898, on the behest of the Bishop Salvatore Palmieri.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE The facade of the church, facing west, with Gothic elements, is divided into three parts by thin pilasters. The facade has its fulcrum in the large central rosette, in which the Christ is surrounded by seven cherubs. On the lunettes of the side entrances are the bas-reliefs of San Giovanni Battista, on the right, and of San Biagio, on the left. Read more [...]

The Spire of Sant’Oronzo is a column dedicated to Saint Orontius of Lecce, placed in the heart of Ostuni, between the main square of the city, Piazza della Libertà, and the small but beautiful square Piazza Sant’Oronzo. Saint Orontius, a Christian martyr, is venerated by the Roman Catholic Church, being considered the first Bishop of Lecce. Each year, a three-day festival is held in Ostuni between August 25 and 27, in his honor.   SHORT HISTORY The Spire of Sant’Oronzo was built in 1771 by the architect Giuseppe Greco. The column is an ex-voto strongly desired by the faithful to thank the Saint, who protected the city from the plague and the famine in the 18th century.   ARCHITECTURE The spire is about 20 meters in height and was built in Baroque style. The testimony of perennial devotion to the protector of the city is quoted in Latin on epigraphic plates, supported by angels and placed on the first order of the column, on each of the four faces. The next order is crowned by a beautiful balustrade, with four statues on its corners: San Biagio, Sant’Antonio da Padova, Sant’Irene and San Gregorio Armeno, all minor patrons of the city. Read more [...]

The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Grata is a small church that stands in a prominent position outside the historical center of Ostuni, surrounded by gardens, in a rural area known as Contrada Rosara.   SHORT HISTORY The first documented information about a church in this place dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. The current church was built between 1896 and 1910 by the architect Gaetano Jurleo, who was also responsible for the facade of the Church of San Francesco d’Assisi. The sanctuary was solemnly consecrated by the Archbishop Tommaso Valeri on August 18, 1912. The old church was then demolished.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Grata was built on a natural cistern destined since ancient times to store water necessary for the irrigation of the nearby gardens. To date, this cistern is full of water, causing considerable damage to the church above. The symmetrical facade of the church is made up of two main parts: the base, characterized by the entrance portal and a plinth on which four Corinthian pilasters and four niches are set, and the upper part, characterized by a central semicircular window surmounted by the emblem with the Read more [...]

The Church of San Francesco d’Assisi is a beautiful church located in the main square of Ostuni, Piazza della Libertà, adjacent to the Palazzo di Città (Palace of the City).   SHORT HISTORY The church was founded in 1304 by the Order of the Minor Friars, on a land donated by Philip I, Prince of Taranto. The friars took care of it for the next five centuries, and after the suppression of the religious orders in 1813, the church was given to the Archconfraternity of the Immaculate, which still manages it. In 1615, the Church of San Francesco d’Assisi underwent major transformations, being largely rebuilt. In the second half of the 18th century, the church was renovated under the direction of the master mason and sculptor Giuseppe Fasano, assisted by his son Carlo and by Nicolantonio Maldarella. The facade was designed in 1883 by the architect Gaetano Jurleo, to harmonize it with the adjacent facade of the Palazzo di Città, which today hosts the Town Hall.   ARCHITECTURE The facade of the church is divided into two orders by a cornice. On the upper order, there is an atypical window of Romanesque inspiration. In the lower part, near the door, Read more [...]

Palazzo della Banca d’Italia is a palace in Bari, located on the Corso Cavour, between the Palazzo della Camera di Commercio and the Petruzzelli Theater.   SHORT HISTORY The palace was built in 1926 after a design by the architect Accolti Gil, on an area of about three thousand square meters that previously housed the Mercato Coperto (Covered Market). The works lasted six years and the ribbon was cut in October, 1932. The offices of the Bank were transferred here from its original headquarters located in Via Cairoli.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE The palace stands on four levels plus a basement. Valuable elements are the public lounge with its Art Nouveau windows, the large staircase leading to the vault and various bas-reliefs of Carrara marble. On the first floor, there can be found the Sala Consiliare (Council Hall), with its huge central chandelier, the fine coffered ceiling, and the director’s office, which still preserves the furniture of 1934. In the Council Hall, there is also a bronze bust depicting Vittorio Emanuele III, which was found only a few years ago in the basement of the building. Banca d’Italia also commissioned the construction of the fountain in front of the building, Read more [...]

Pane e Pomodoro Beach is a small beach in Bari, located on Lungomare Amando Perotti, about 2 kilometers away from the historical center of the city. The beach owes its name, Pane e Pomodoro (Bread and Tomato), to the habit of the people of Bari, when they were sunbathing, to eat simple bread seasoned with tomatoes. The sandy beach is flanked by a large green space equipped with benches and games for children. On the beach, you can find a bar, toilets and showers. In addition to the sandy shore for access to the sea, there are also wooden piers.   HOW TO GET THERE Pane e Pomodoro Beach is located about 2.2 kilometers away from the Bari Centrale train station, or about 30 minutes on foot. Use the map below to find the beach in no time.

Piazza Mercantile is the most important square of Bari, the city’s commercial center since the 14th century, and today a location for cultural events. In the square, we can find the Palazzo del Sedile, with a 16th century clock tower on top, the Palazzo della Dogana, built probably in the 16th century by the Duchess of Milan, Isabella of Aragon, the stone lion, or Colonna infame, and the baroque fountain Fontana della Pigna.   SHORT HISTORY Piazza Mercantile, located close to the Porto Vecchio, was home to the Municipality of Bari since at least the second half of the 15th century, when the Palazzo del Sedile was built. At the beginning of the 17th century, under the Sforzas, the area was subjected to a renewal program, after the event of 1601, when most of the buildings in the square were burned to the ground, including the Palazzo del Sedile and the city’s arsenal. The Palazzo del Sedile was rebuilt soon after the fire and embelished with a bell tower. At the beginning of the 19th century, after the municipal seat of the city moved from the Palazzo del Sedile in Via Palazzo di Città, Piazza Mercantile retained the role of Read more [...]

Palazzo della Provincia is a palace in Bari, part of the larger monumental transformation project of the Lungomare Nazario Sauro during the first decades of the 20th century, which hosts today the Pinacoteca Metropolitana di Bari Corrado Giaquinto (Painting Gallery of Metropolitan City of Bari).   SHORT HISTORY The Provincial Administration commissioned the design of its definitive headquarters in 1930. The palace, completed in 1936, is the result of the collaboration of the best Apulian architects of the time, coordinated by Luigi Baffa. Severely damaged during the Second World War, today the building houses the offices and the council chamber of the Provincial Administration, the Painting Gallery of Metropolitan City of Bari and the Archives of the city.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE The building is characterized by eclecticism that recalls the neo-medieval civil architecture. The palace presents itself as an irregular quadrilateral, alternating Trani stone and red bricks. At the center of the rusticated base, there are five large round arches that give access to a portico in two-color marble. Beyond the upper floors, stands a clock tower, an allusion to the bell tower of the Cathedral of San Sabino, also visible from the Lungomare Nazario Sauro. The clock tower Read more [...]

Palazzo del Sedile (Palace of the Seat), known also as the Palazzo dei Nobili, is a palace located in the historical center of Bari, in Piazza Mercantile. The palace, of which today only the facade remains, was once the Town Hall of the city.   SHORT HISTORY The first documented information about a municipal office in Bari dates back to 1466, when the notary Giovanni de Lutiis mentioned a place in Piazza Mercantile, where the Municipality met to discuss the problems of the city. In 1601, a serious disaster occurred, originated from a small fire ignited in Piazza Mercantile, which spread very quickly to the buildings in the square and to the city’s arsenal, where gunpowder and weapons were kept. The explosion caused the death of over 60 people and ruined many buildings, including the municipal palace. In 1602, the palace was rebuilt by the Mayors Nicola Donato and Pietro Ponzo, as a plaque recalls, along with the arsenal and the city wall. In 1604, the Municipality built a small bell tower on top of the building and had a German-manufactured clock installed, which struck every quarter of an hour. The activity of the municipal seat ceased in the early Read more [...]

Porto Vecchio (Old Port) is a small port in Bari, located south-east of the Bari Vecchia, the historical center of the city, enclosed between the Pier of Sant’Antonio and Pier of San Nicola. Inside the port, there are two quays reserved for fishing boats, of 350 and 180 meters. It has 230 berths for boats up to 12 meters in length. The small port is among the most picturesque places in the city, due to the presence of colorful boats and a fish market. At the western edge of the port, we can find the Margherita Theater, and further to the north, on Lungomare Imperatore Augusto, the Fort of Saint Anthony the Abbot.   HOW TO GET THERE Porto Vecchio is located about 1.1 kilometers away from the Bari Centrale railway station, at the northern end of Corso Cavour.

Fortino di Sant’Antonio Abate is a fort located on the eastern edge of the Bari Vecchia, the historical center of Bari, in front of the Pier of Sant’Antonio.   SHORT HISTORY The fort was built for defensive purposes in 1440 on the remains of a tower from 1359. The fort was erected by the Prince of Taranto, Giovanni Antonio del Balzo Orsini, who left his coat of arms on the portal. After the death of the feudal lord, the fort was destroyed by the people of Bari, and then rebuilt between 1501 and 1524 by Isabella of Aragon, Duchess of Milan, and Bona Sforza, Queen of Poland, as part of the renewal of the defensive system of the city. Later, the fort was demilitarized and, in 1847, it was taken over by the Municipality. During the following years, the structure was neglected and continued to deteriorate, falling into a state of semi-ruin. The fort was later definitively restored by the Municipality, and today it can be admired in all its splendour. Its spaces are currently used for cultural events.   ART A graceful wooden statue of the Saint Anthony the Abbot, also known as Saint Anthony the Great, to whom Read more [...]

The Cathedral of San Sabino is the cathedral of Bari, dedicated to Saint Sabinus of Canosa, whose relics were brought to the city in the 9th century.   SHORT HISTORY In the first half of the 11th century, the Archbishop Bisanzio built a church on this ground, later completed by his successors Nicola I and Andrea II. This church was later destroyed by William I, called the Bad, during the destruction of the city from 1156. The current church, which dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries, was built by Archbishop Rainaldo on the ruins of the Byzantine cathedral, inspired by the style of the Basilica of San Nicola. For the work, materials from the previous church and from other destroyed buildings were used. The cathedral was consecrated on October 4, 1292. Starting with the 18th century, the building underwent a series of renovations, demolitions and additions. During those times, the facade, the interior of the naves, the interior of the ancient baptistery and the crypt were rebuilt in baroque forms on a design by Domenico Antonio Vaccaro.   ARCHITECTURE The church is an important example of Apulian-Romanesque architecture. The simple facade is divided by two pilasters in three Read more [...]

Buy tickets & tours:GetYourGuide Basilica di San Nicola (Basilica of San Nicholas) is a beautiful church located in the historical center of Bari, one of the most significant examples of the Apulian-Romanesque architecture.   SHORT HISTORY The church was built in Romanesque style between 1087 and 1103, during the Norman domination of Apulia, to host the relics of Saint Nicholas, translated from Myra, Lycia, to Bari, on May 9, 1087. The relics were temporarily housed in the Monastery of St. Benedict. On October 1, 1089, the relics were transferred to the crypt of the unfinished basilica by Pope Urban II, who came to Bari specifically for this. The construction of the basilica was completed in 1103.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE The simple and majestic facade of the basilica is divided in three parts by pilasters, crowned with small arches, has mullioned windows at the top and three portals at the bottom. Two bell towers of different styles flank the facade. The sides are characterized by deep blind arches and rich doors. Blind arches at the bottom and mullioned windows at the top animate the transept and the apse wall, decorated in the middle by a large window. The interior is Read more [...]

Buy tickets & tours:GetYourGuide Castello Normanno-Svevo (Norman-Swabian Castle) is an imposing fortress in Bari, located on the western edge of the Bari Vecchia (Old Bari), the historical center of the city.   SHORT HISTORY The medieval fortification dates back to 1132. The castle was built at the behest of the Norman King Roger II, and was destroyed in 1156 by King William of Sicily, nicknamed the Bad, when he razed the entire city to the ground, except for some places of worship. The fortress was rebuilt in 1233, when the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II ordered its reinforcement. The castle underwent numerous transformations in the Angevin period, when Charles of Anjou carried out an extensive restoration involving the north wing of the castle, under the guidance of the architects Pietro d’Angicourt and Giovanni di Toul. Then, the castle became property of Duke Ferdinand of Aragon, who donated it later to the ducal Sforza family. The latter disposed the enlargement of the fortress, which shortly after passed into the hands of Bona Sforza, Queen of Poland, who died there in 1557. During this time, the castle underwent radical transformations to adapt to the new demands dictated by the development of heavy Read more [...]

Perched gracefully along the Adriatic coastline of Bari, Teatro Margherita stands as a striking emblem of the city’s cultural past and present. Once a theatre and cinema, now a revived museum and exhibition space, this elegant Liberty-style building rises from the sea on stilts, offering a unique fusion of architecture, history, and seaside charm. Its pastel façade, signature towers, and seaside setting make it immediately recognizable; inside, the layout and restored interior speak of ambition, innovation, and resilience. Visiting Teatro Margherita is more than a stop – it’s a journey through time, from Belle Époque grandeur to contemporary art, floating between land and sea.   Short History of Teatro Margherita The Beginnings – From Wood to Concrete The story of Teatro Margherita begins with a predecessor: a wooden theatre named Varietà Margherita, opened on 5 October 1910. Built on the waterfront, that wooden structure was an early attempt to provide Bari with an entertainment venue distinct from the already established Teatro Petruzzelli. However, the Varietà Margherita had a tragically short life – just months later, in the early hours of 22 July 1911, it was destroyed by a violent fire that razed the building within an hour. Though the cause Read more [...]

Teatro Petruzzelli is the largest theater in Bari and the fourth largest in Italy. Owned until the fire of 1991 by the Messeni Nemagna family, the theater is currently being disputed between the City of Bari and the previous owners.   SHORT HISTORY In 1896, the traders and ship builders Onofrio and Antonio Petruzzelli, originating from Trieste, presented to the Municipality of Bari the project of a new theater by the architect Angelo Cicciomessere, husband of their sister, Maria. Their proposal was accepted and, two years later, in 1898, the work began, financed exclusively by the Petruzzelli family. The theater was frescoed by Raffaele Armenise and decorated in pure gold. Also, the theater was equipped with heating and electric light, and it had a capacity of 2,192 seats. The works were completed in 1903, and the theater was inaugurated on February 14, 1903, with Les Huguenots by the German opera composer Giacomo Meyerbeer. In addition to operas and ballets, important concerts were held at the Petruzzelli Theater. Over time, many great artists performed on its stage: Herbert von Karajan, Rudolf Nureyev, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Liza Minnelli and Luciano Pavarotti. On the night of October 27, 1991, the theater was Read more [...]