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Bari Guide

Bari

Bari the capital of the Apulia region in southeastern Italy. It is the second-largest city in the south of the Apennine Peninsula after Naples.

The place where the capital of Apulia is now located has been inhabited by people since prehistoric times. Even in the III century BC. this town was famous as a convenient port and played an important role in the economy and politics of the Mediterranean. However, Bari acquired real fame only after 1087, when the relics of St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra, one of the most revered saints of the Christian world, were brought to the city, especially by Orthodox Christians. On the streets of Bari.

Bari is the chameleon city of Italy. The first impression that a city makes when you barely find yourself on its streets: somewhere I’ve already seen all this. Look to the right – Malaga will be imagined, turn left – Naples. Start wandering the medieval streets of the Old Town – see Rhodes, look out the windowof the Oriente – it seems that you are in Madrid. And so on until your knowledge of geography has exhausted itself.

Bari districts

The areas of Bari where you can stay overnight are varied, but they are all comfortable to stay in. It is clean everywhere and, unlike some other cities in Italy, safe. The City Hall managed to restore order in the city and make the rest of tourists calm.

Bari Veccia (Bari Vecchia, or Old Town)

Bari Vecchia is the name of the historic center, which is a labyrinth of narrow streets and medieval buildings. This area is the most authentic. Some houses were built in the XII century. In the 90s they were restored. The buildings are now in excellent condition (as far as possible).

The old town is suitable for discovering the traditional way of life of the inhabitants of southern Italy. Old monuments and museums are everywhere, next to a market with fresh seafood and cheese. All the key attractions here.

In Bari Vecchia, cafes with traditional cuisine at affordable prices, pizzerias, bars, and nightclubs. The area is small, everything interesting is within walking distance. Nearby there are bus stops with public transport, where you can quickly and conveniently get to any area, to the train station or to the airport.

Murat (Murat, or New City)

Murat area stretches from the railway station (Bari Centrale) to the city promenade (Lungomare). It was built in the 19th century. According to the project, the orthogonal grid of streets with flat and wide avenues is similar to Madrid and Barcelona.

Murat is Bari’s liveliest and trendiest area. In this part there is a large university in Italy – the University of Bari Aldo Moro. Not far from it is the Teatro Petruzzelli, where opera singers and contemporary groups perform regularly.

Everywhere there are pompous houses in which the local nobility once lived. Now on the ground floors, there are trendy boutiques, hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Quiet location close to the coast and Bari Vecchia.

Murat area is a great place to stay in Bari. It is close to the train station, there is an atmosphere of luxury and fun nightlife, shops and supermarkets are everywhere. The whole street via Corso Camillo Benso Cavour is given over to boutiques.

Cruise port

The cruise port is located almost in the center of Bari – to the Old Town no more than 1 km, to the public beach “Pane e Pomodoro”  – 3 km. This is the best area to stay if you are planning to travel by ferries. Any part of the city can be reached on foot or by public transport.

The residential area near the cruise port is one of the most beautiful in Bari. The architecture is varied, including ancient and modern buildings. This creates a unique atmosphere.

Among the advantages of living, it is worth noting the proximity to the beaches of Bari and access to public transport. Off the coast, fishermen sell their catch: fresh seafood or fish that is prepared locally.

San Nicola Stadium

In the southwestern part of Bari, not far from the center, the stadium of St. Nicholas is the second largest in Italy. The training site for the national team is sometimes used for city events, celebrations and festivals.

Around the stadium there are modern houses with all the amenities. Accommodation prices are lower than in the center. This area is suitable for those who prefer quietness to the bustling center of Bari.

Bari Palese

The airport (Karol Wojtyla International Airport) is located 8 kilometers from the city. Hotels are concentrated in Bari Palese – about 2.5 km from the air harbor. The bus stop in the center provides quick access to the airport and Bari.

Bari Palese is located on the Adriatic coast. There are shops, a park, pizzerias, cafes, and small attractions.

Bari Information

Bari History

Bari is famous for the fact that it houses one of the most important Orthodox churches in the West with the relics of the revered Saint Nicholas the Pleasant.

It is not known exactly when a settlement arose on the site of modern Bari , in the III century. BC. the city was Roman and was called Barium. In 109, Trajan’s road was laid through Barium, which branched off from Appian and went to Brindisi, an important commercial port.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city was conquered by the Lombards and the Byzantines.

In the IX century. Barial under the rule of the Berbers, who created the Bari Emirate.

In 875, Byzantium returned to power, making Bari the capital of the region, which communicated modern Apulia and Calabria. In 1071, the city was conquered by the Normans under the leadership of Robert Guiscard.

In 1087, the patrons of St. Nicholas were brought to Bari.

In the XII-XIV centuries. from the port of Bari, ships laden with crusaders went on campaigns of conquest.

In 1098, a Council convened by Pope Urban II to reconcile the Catholic and Orthodox churches was held in the renovated church of St. Nicholas. A delegate from the Kiev Metropolitanate also took part in the Council.

But the Council failed to try on the two churches that remain divided to this day.

In 1156 Bari was destroyed by the second king of Sicily, William I the Wicked. And it was revived again in the era of Frederick II, at this time the castle, erected by the Normans, was being restored.

This was followed by a long period of decline and desolation. Bari was dominated by the Anjou and Aragonese dynasties, later the city was ruled by the Venetians, and this period brought prosperity and improvement of the economic situation. Bari important has become a trade hub.

In 1813, during the time of the Kingdom of Naples, Napoleonic General Joaquin Murat laid the foundation stone for the new city. The population of the city is sharp, new houses, administrative buildings, shops, and wide avenues were needed. In the era of fascism, a monumental embankment was designed and an exhibition complex was built.

Historical buildings were destroyed or damaged, including the Cathedral, the Church of Nicholas.

In the second half of the XX century. Bari expanded, but rather chaotically, and also experienced an emigration boom, especially from Albania.

In 2000, the historic city center was restored.

Best Time to visit Bari

The best time for your holiday in Bari:

Time relax
Comfort
 level

Day / night 
air temperature

Water temperature
Rainy days per month
Strong / Moderate / Weak
August 21-3195.4%30.3 ° C / 24.2 ° C26.4 ° C0.5 / 0.4 / 2.5 days
August 11-2093.9%30.5 ° C / 24.5 ° C26.6 ° C0.5 / 0.4 / 2.5 days
July 21-3191.6%30.6 ° C / 24.1 ° C26.0 ° C1.3 / 1.4 / 2.9 days
August 1-1090.4%31.3 ° C / 25.0 ° C26.6 ° C0.5 / 0.4 / 2.5 days
July 11-2090.1%29.8 ° C / 23.2 ° C25.6 ° C1.3 / 1.4 / 2.9 days

Beach season in Bari

The best season for a beach holiday can be considered June, July, August, September, since the water is already warmed up enough and you can swim in the sea. But, it is worth noting that the opening of the beach and swimming season falls on May, and the end – in October, since in these months the sun is usually enough for a beautiful tan, and the most seasoned ones swim and swim.

Thus, the beach season in Bari lasts from May to October, that is, 6 months.

High season in Bari

June, September can be considered a high season – many beach tourists come to the city, and hotel prices are rising.

January, March, May, June are the best months for sightseeing. If you are planning to visit museums and are calm about the vagaries of the weather, then it is better and cheaper to visit Bari at other times of the year.

When is it cheaper to stay in Bari?

Low season in Bari is February, April, July, August, October, November, December. While sunbathing and swimming is unlikely to be possible at this time of year, a trip to Bari during low season is a great opportunity to see the sights without spending a lot of money. And to find out where is the best place to go.

Bari Climate

Bari lies at 14 m above sea level. The climate in Bari is warm and temperate. The winter months are significantly rainier than the summer months in Bari. This climate is considered to be Csa according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. The average annual temperature in Bari is 16.1 ° C. 567 mm – average annual rainfall.

Temperature of water and air by months

MonthAverage air temperatureDay air temperatureAir temperature at night
jan.7 C °11 C °4 C °
Feb8 C °12 C °4 C °
March10 C °14 C °5 C °
Apr13 C °17 C °8 C °
May17 C °22 C °12 C °
June21 C °26 C °15 C °
July23 C °29 C °18 C °
Aug23 C °28 C °18 C °
Sep20 C °25 C °15 C °
oct.16 C °20 C °12 C °
nov.12 C °16 C °8 C °
Dec9 C °13 C °5 C °

Precipitation, air humidity and daylight hours by months

MonthAir humidityDawnSunsetAverage daylight hours
jan.78%07:1316:4910 h
Feb75%06:4717:2511 h
March72%06:0418:0112 h
Apr69%06:1319:3214 h
May68%05:3420:0315 h
June64%05:2020:2516 h
July62%05:3320:2115 h
Aug64%06:0219:4914 h
Sep67%06:3219:0113 h
oct.73%06:5418:0112 h
nov.78%06:3916:3410 h
Dec79%07:0916:2510 h

Bari events and holidays

December – St. Nicholas Day in the Basilica of Bari.

The festive day opens with a solemn liturgy in the Basilica of St. Nicholas. The next day, the relics sweep through the city in a massive procession. According to the tradition of the holiday, girls who dream of marriage leave small donations and notes with their request to the saint in the church of Nicholas on this day. On the days of the festivities, the relics of St.

April 28 – Sagra of bagels and wines in Alberobello, Bari

From April 28, a fair opens in the city of Alberobello , where you can taste and buy traditional tarallucci (just bubuliki) and local wine.

May 7-9 – Feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Bari.

This is a grand celebration in Bari , which is accompanied by concerts, parades, fireworks, folk festivals. During the holiday, a sculptural image of the saint is taken out from the Basilica of St. Nicholas and a procession is organized. It continues to the port, where the statue is loaded onto a ship and sent on a symbolic voyage. When the image comes back, it is carried through the streets of the city and brought back to the basilica. The most important stage of the holiday is the collection of Peace – a transparent liquid that seeps out of the relics of the saint. At the end of the ritual, folk festivities begin.

Mid-July – Red Onion Festival in Aquaviva delle Fonti, Bari.

Every third Sunday in October – Calzone Festival in Aquaviva delle Fonti, Bari.

November 5-6 – Festival of chestnuts and young wine “Novello” in Nochi, Bari.

All these are gastronomic events that are loved very much not only by locals but also by tourists. In mid-July, Aquaviva delle Fonti offers different types of sweet onions and many dishes. At the end of July in Fasano and Torre Canne, octopuses caught by local fishermen are served in any interpretation. Around the same time, meatballs are prepared in Grottaglie according to a special recipe. And at the beginning of August in Leverano you have the opportunity to taste different types of beer with grilled meat and sausages. All festivals are accompanied by great music.

Things to do and see in Bari

Castel del Monte castle

The architectural monument of the XIII century is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the most famous and mysterious castles in the world.

The mystery of Castel del Monte lies in the fact that it is still not known exactly for what purpose it was built by Emperor Frederick II. This building is not a castle in the full sense: it does not have a moat, a shaft and a drawbridge, there is no room for supplies, stables, and a separate kitchen. Historians suggest that the building was conceived as a hunting lodge, but for this it is too richly decorated inside.

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The architectural form of the castle is also interesting. It is a regular octagon. At the corners of the castle there are towers, also built in the form of octagons. The main octagon is 25 meters high and the towers are 26 meters high. At exactly half the height, a small cornice runs along the entire perimeter, separating the floors. The main entrance of the castle faces east.

The castle is built in such a way that sunlight enters it at a certain time of the day, depending on the season. In this regard, scientists believe that the top floor of Castel del Monte is a huge hourglass, and the first floor is a solar calendar. That is, the castle can be viewed as a single astronomical device.

Coordinates : 41.08569100,16.27079500

What sights of Bari did you like? There are icons next to the photo, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Cathedral of San Sabino

The Cathedral of San Sabino is the main Roman Catholic church in the city of Bari, which is dedicated to the bishop of Canosa – Saint Savin, whose relics rest in this temple.

The cathedral was built at the turn of the XII and XIII centuries on the ruins of the cathedral of the Byzantine Empire, which was destroyed by William I the Wicked – the Sicilian king. The cathedral was rebuilt and modified for many years in a row, only in the 1950s it was returned to its original Romanesque look.

The facade of the cathedral with three portals is decorated with a round rosette window, above which there is a lintel with images of mythical creatures. The stone bell tower of the cathedral was recently erected. Its dome is distinguished by Arabic motives.

Inside the cathedral there are three aisles, which are separated by 16 columns with arcades. The remains of St. Savin lie in the crypt of the church. There is also an icon of Madonna Hodegetria, which was brought here from the East in the 8th century.

Coordinates : 41.12840700,16.86806900

Cathedral of San Corrado

The Cathedral of San Corrado, in Molfetta, was built at the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries. The cathedral has a pronounced Romanesque style and stone was used as a material. The cathedral has one nave, connected by two aisles, as well as two domes. In addition, an extension was made to the cathedral in the form of two twenty-meter towers, one of which had the status of a watchtower, and the other – a bell tower. The interior is decorated with furniture from the 16th century. The cathedral was built in honor of one of the crusaders, who later became the patron saint of the city – Konrad Bovarsky.

The Cathedral of San Corrado is a rare specimen of the Apulian Romanesque in its silhouette.

Bari embankment “new city

The new city built in the 30s of the 20th century, its embankment built in the style of constructivism, resembles the work of Corbusier and Soviet architects of the 30s

San Nicola Stadium

The San Nicola Stadium is located in the Italian city of Bari. It is the 4th largest stadium in Italy and also the largest structure in the city. It hosts home matches of FC Bari.

The stadium was built for the 1990 World Championships, which took place in Italy. The stadium immediately began to stand out for its vast external shape with sectors in the form of petals. Its capacity is more than 58 thousand people, although at first it was supposed to be no more than 45 thousand. The stadium is oval in shape with a roof covering most of the seats. It was on it that, for the first time in the world, the lighting system was installed directly on the roof, which made it possible to avoid the shadows of the players on the field.

The stadium is the home arena for FC Bari. From time to time it is used for matches with the Italian national team.

Coordinates : 41.08468100,16.84011000

Trani castle

Trani Castle is located in southern Italy in the province of Bari. The ups and downs of history several times made adjustments to his fate. The original construction of the castle dates back to the time of the reign of Frederick II – the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. It was in those days that the construction of defensive walls and watchtowers took place. Subsequently, in connection with the development of firearms, it became necessary to rebuild the castle in order to strengthen its fortress walls, blocking enemy attacks.

From the middle of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century, the Trani castle appeared in a new incarnation – its premises began to be used as a city prison. Today, the long-suffering fate of the magnificent architectural masterpiece is no longer dramatic. After lengthy restoration work, it became the center of cultural events in the Puglia region. Art contests and exhibitions of paintings gather a considerable number of art lovers.

Coordinates : 41.31907600,16.41746500

Torre Ignazia beach

Torre Ignazia is a very beautiful beach in Puglia with soft golden sand. It has a very long and wide coastline. The bottom is sandy, gently sloping, in some places with shoals. However, there are very small rocky areas. The sea, clean and transparent, changes its color from turquoise to bright blue.

Free sections of the beach are replaced by paid ones, equipped with umbrellas, sun loungers and even some kind of royal boxes, with mattresses and canopies that protect from the sun. The place is ideal for families with children, swimming, swimming, walking along the sea.

In the evenings and nights, the most famous and beloved discos of the local population are held on the coast. The beach is very popular, so during the hot season (late July – August) and on weekends it is very crowded.

Coordinates : 40.89998700,17.36283700

Old Town (Bari Vecchia)

The heart of Bari is the small Old Town, or Bari Vecchia, where iconic places are concentrated. More than 40 churches, picturesque alleys, bustling cafes, and beautiful squares are hidden in these narrow streets, which help to feel the atmosphere of the city. I would like not to miss a single street, not a single local legend, and history.

Theater Margherita

The hiking trail starts at Piazza IV Novembre. On the left side is the tourist office of Bari, and opposite it is a pink Art Nouveau building: the Margherita Theater on stilts. It was built in 1914. Inside there is an exhibition museum with works by Italian artists.

Theater Margherita has an interesting history. In Bari, there was a ban on the construction of a second theater (the first was the Petruzzelli Theater). But the ban extended only to the construction of buildings on the land, no one forbade the construction of houses on the water. That is why the theater stands on stilts.

Market Square (Piazza Mercantile)

The Old Town has a market square, Piazza Mercantile. As in the old, “pre-tourist” times, social life is still in full swing here. Now it mainly takes place in cafes and restaurants. According to my hotelier friend, this is where you need to go if you want to taste Italy. The best cafes in the city with affordable prices will also serve you general Italian dishes: pizza, risotto, gelato, cannoli, as well as local, regional cuisine. Cafes and restaurants are open from 11:00 to 14:00, and then from 17:00 to midnight. In a rare case, you can find an open institution.

The Pillar of Shame in the center of the square reminds of the past of the city: a lion sitting at its base was once planted with malicious debtors. Naked.

Now the narrow and winding streets of Barri Vecchia look atmospheric, and getting lost in them is a sheer pleasure. But in the old days, the Old City protected the entire southern region from sea invaders. If the enemy overcame the fortress walls, he fell into the maze of streets and squares. In order not to get lost, the easiest way for a tourist to navigate is the embankment and the churches.

Fort of Saint Antonio (Il Fortino di Sant’Antonio)

You can see the whole of Bari from the fort of St. Antonio is a stone building of the 11th century. This is the highest point in the Old Town. There were once four forts around the city, and they were part of the defensive walls. Now only this structure remains. You can climb to the fort along Via Venezia or Via Re Manfredi.

The entrance to the fort is closed by an iron gate, but this does not interfere with the view of the city. The wall offers a panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea, the promenade of Emperor Augustus, the port, the Old and New Towns. On holidays, the gates are open, but such moments are rare. For example, at Christmas, in a small area, a picture of the three wise men offering gifts to the baby Jesus is restored.

Swabian Castle (Castello Normanno-Svevo)

The castle is a fortress built in 1131. It was destroyed several times and what we see now is the building of 1233, restored by Frederick II. Bari’s architecture is unique, this castle is no exception. Romanesque style, snow-white walls, which still look unapproachable. Inside the city history museum.

  • Website: Swabian Castle
  • Opening hours: 8: 30-19-30, Tue – day off
  • Cost: Entrance 3 € for adults, 1.5 € for children

Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (Basilica San Nicola)

The patron saint of Bari is St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. In the Old Town there is a basilica where his relics are kept. However, in Bari there is another small Chiesa russa di Bari – the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. It is located far enough from the historic center that both churches are marked on our map so that you don’t get confused.

According to legend, in 1087 the relics of St. Nicholas were secretly taken out of the city of Myra (modern Turkey), for which a building was built in advance. Romanesque churches are almost 1000 years old. and it is perfectly preserved. The outside looks more like a castle than a temple. Inside, the interior of the XI-XII century and the paintings on the ceilings are impressive.

Nicholas the Wonderworker is one of the most revered saints in the Catholic and Orthodox religions. Catholic services are held every day at 19:00, after which access to the relics of St. Nicholas, and on Thursdays Orthodox liturgies are held in the church (in the summer, also on Tuesdays). Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come here specially to venerate the relics of the saint. This can be done at the end of the service.

  • Sites: Basilica , Museum.
  • Open: Basilica: Mon – Sat 7: 00-20: 30, Sun – 7: 00-22: 00; Museum – Mon-Sun 11: 00-18: 00.
  • Orthodox Liturgy: Tue and Thu, 10.30
  • The entrance to the church is free. The entrance ticket to the museum for an adult is 3 €, for a child – 2.5 €.

Ruins of the Church of Santa Maria del Buonconsiglio

Quite by chance, walking between the residential buildings of Old Bari, you can stumble upon the ruins – the remains of the ancient temple of Santa Maria del Buonconsillo. The building was erected between the X and XII centuries. Unlike other temples, it has not survived: Roman columns and a mosaic floor remain. An interesting story is connected with the temple. The Barians and Byzantines could not decide who would accompany the brides to the altar. The conflict reached the point of bloodshed, but both sides managed to reach a consensus and a temple was erected in honor of this (Italian buonconsiglio – correct advice).

Pinacoteca Bari (Pinacoteca “Corrado Giaquinto” di Bari)

Wander the streets, admire the Art Nouveau buildings, or if you like painting, check out the Art Gallery of the Metropolitan Pinacoteca. This place contains exhibits representing the southern Italian art of the 11th – 20th centuries: painting, fragments of buildings, sculpture. The museum building, built in the 19th century, is also a work of art.Entrance – 3 €, for children – 0.5 €Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 9: 30-13: 00 and 16: 00-19: 00. Website: Pinakothek

Grotte di Castellana

If you look at Italy from above, the outlines of this country resemble boots – this is known to every student. There is also a heel there – a small peninsula washed by two seas at once – the Adriatic and the Ionian. This is the Puglia region, the easternmost region of Italy, with the best beach resorts and an abundance of attractions, both natural and cultural. One of the most popular places for tourists in Puglia is the Grotte di Castellana – a whole system of underground caves and grottoes, reminiscent of the abode of fabulous gnomes.

The first attempts to explore the grottoes were made at the end of the 18th century, but then they were not crowned with success. It was possible to go through the entire complex of caves only in 1938 when the expedition of the famous speleologist Franco Anelli got down to business. Today, in the first cave where tourists enter the complex, there is a bust of an outstanding scientist who explored these places and made it possible for everyone to understand the scale of the natural miracle of the bowels of the Italian land.

It is not difficult to get to Grotte di Castellana – the caves are located not far from the commune of the same name Castellana Grotte near the capital of Puglia, Bari. From Bari you can take the Sud-Est suburban train directly to the caves.

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Entrance: short route (1 km, about one hour) – 12 EUR , long route (3 km, about two hours) – 16 EUR . There are benefits for students and pensioners.

Opening hours: all year round, every day, it is necessary to sign up for a tour in advance

Address: Italy, Puglia, Castellana Grotte.

Web site

Lido San Francesco beach

Lido San Francesco is the perfect choice for those looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the fresh sea air. The clean and uncrowded beach is just 20 minutes walk from the center of Bari’s Old Town. This is a great place to relax with the whole family or a fun company – golden sand, gentle entrance to the water and clear blue water. In addition, the beach is well equipped – here you can relax on a sun lounger, play ball games and even build a sand castle. There are many shops, bars and restaurants in the vicinity of Lido San Francesco.

Address: Lido San Francesco alla Rena, Via Giuseppe Verdi, Bari, Italy.

Archaeological Museum

The grandiose monumental complex of Saint Scholastica is one of the most beautiful places in the city. It houses a well-preserved 16th century Aragonese bastion and an ancient monastery that now houses the city’s Museum of Archeology. The most interesting exhibits of the museum, reopened after the reorganization at the end of 2018, acquaint visitors with the rich history of this region – from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages. The museum is adjacent to the archaeological complex, where illuminated paths pass through the surviving fragments of a medieval church dedicated to Saints Paul and John. Of particular interest in the museum’s collection are tombstones dating from the era of the Roman Empire.

Address: Museo Archeologico di Santa Scolastica, Piazzale Cristoforo Colombo, Bari, Italy.

Botanical Garden

Stroll through the beautiful University Botanical Gardens, 5 km south of the Basilica of St. Nicholas. The garden was opened in 1955 and covers an area of ​​about 1 hectare. This is a real living museum, where there is a huge greenhouse and the richest herbarium, which displays about 40,000 plant species. Particular attention is drawn to the magnificent exotic flowers and plants such as orchids and aizae, as well as the rich collection of plants characteristic of the flora of Puglia.

Address: Orto Botanico dell’Università di Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy.

Altamura city

Altamura is a fantastic day trip destination and has many interesting attractions. The city is located 45 kilometers from Bari. It is notable for the fact that small streets and closed squares where the whole city life proceeded to this day in its original form.

Today it is home to about 70,000 inhabitants, and the city is known for its exceptionally delicious bread, which is sold even in other cities in Italy.

The main attractions of Almatura are:

  • Romanesque Cathedral;
  • Medieval walls;
  • Caves were used as tombs and dwellings

Address: 70022 Altamura, Altamura Bari, Italy.

Ruins of Egnation

About an hour’s drive east of Bari are the ruins of Egnatia. It was once a thriving Roman city on the Adriatic coast. Archaeological finds of ancient settlements date back to the Bronze Age, and cities – to the 18th century BC. e. Thousands of years later, all that remains of Egnatia are fragments of the foundations and remnants of the walls of ancient city buildings.

In addition to the historical ruins, there is a museum where you can see the artifacts found in the region and learn more about the history of the ancient city. The ruins of Egnatia are a must-see for anyone interested in ancient history.

Address: Scavi D’Egnazia, Via delle Carceri, Fasano, Brindisi, Italy.

Alta Murgia National Park

This national wildlife park is considered one of the best in the Puglia region. It adds variety to the list of traditional attractions in and around Bari. The park is located south of the city and covers a vast area of ​​677 sq. m. Here you will find many unforgettable impressions.

The landscape of Alta Murgia National Park is incredibly varied – from forests and open pastures to stone cliffs and old abandoned settlements. The park is inhabited by many wild animals and birds – wolves, wild boars, kestrels, etc. You can get acquainted with the nature of this region during an independent walking or cycling route. In addition, guided tours of the park are regularly organized.

Address: Ufficio Parco Nazionale Alta Murgia, Via Firenze, Gravina in Puglia, Bari, Italy.

Alberobello town

If you have already familiarized yourself with the main attractions of Bari, then it’s time to go to a place called Alberobello, which is located 60 km from the city center! It is one of the most picturesque cities in the world. It is world famous for its unique tiny houses that look like the fabulous dwarves’ dwellings.

These small white stone buildings with a gray conical roof are called trulls. You won’t find similar houses in any other corner of the world. That is why the unique trulls of Alberobello in 1996 were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Address: Alberobello, Bari, Italy.

Getting Around Bari

Buses

The bus is the most popular and most intuitive type of public transport in Bari.

The AMTAB carrier serves 31 routes, the longest of which is No. 14: 34 kilometers and 81 stops.

The official website of the company is closed for those who try to go there while in English, but you can use the anonymizer. The site is only available in Italian.

The route can be planned here. You need to enter the departure station in the first window and the destination station in the second.

By default, the search values ​​are set to:

  • “The fastest route”,
  • “Maximum walking distance – no restrictions”,
  • “The maximum number of transfers is unlimited.”

Important! Bus stops are not marked on Google maps, and when planning a route, you will need their name. Find out in advance.

Bus tickets

Tariffs were last changed on September 6, 2018. You can check the prices and types of tickets here.

The carrier offers several ticket options:

  1. One-way ticket: € 1.00;
  2. 90 minutes ticket: 1.20 € (valid for 90 minutes from first use);
  3. Day ticket: € 2.50 (valid for the whole day during public transport hours);
  4. Ticket purchased on the bus from the driver: 1.50 € (valid 75 minutes after validation);
  5. Ticket for 10 journeys: € 9.00 (booklet with 10 one-way tickets);
  6. Park & ​​Ride daily ticket: 0.30 € (valid all day during transport opening hours). It works on the principle of “intercepting parking”: the driver leaves the car in the designated places and goes on by public transport. The ticket can be bought exclusively in the Park & ​​Ride parking area. All information about Park & ​​Ride .

Important: any ticket must be punched at the entrance to the bus and kept during the trip. An unvalidated ticket is considered to be free travel, and the penalty is € 100. One in five passengers on buses in Bari, according to open statistics from AMTAB, is a free rider.

If you are coming to Bari for more than a month, you may benefit from a travel card. Membership options:

  • Yearly: 250 €
  • Monthly: 35 €
  • For a month at fixed hours: 20 € (from 5 to 9 am; from 12:30 to 18:00; from 19:30 to 23:00)

Each line has its own opening hours. Separate schedules for holidays and weekends. Basically, the first bus leaves at 5 am and ends at 11 pm, sometimes at 11:40 pm. The average waiting time for a bus is 18 minutes.

Where to buy tickets:

  1. At the newsstands (Edicola)
  2. In tobacco stalls (Tabacchi)
  3. In the cabin of the bus with the driver (more expensive by 0.5 €)
  4. Via Bari Digitale App (Available for IOS and Android)
  5. In vending machines at major transfer hubs

Metro in Bari

In Bari, there is no metro that residents of large cities in other are used to. It is closely connected with the network of commuter trains and is more like a “light metro”. The main urban operator of such transport is Ferrotramviaria. The site is available in Italian and English.

The map of the metro and railway stations, as well as the timetable here .

4 railway lines are united by their beginning and a large interchange hub – the central station of Bari.

Bari Metro Line Map

Of the four lines on the diagram, only two, marked with the letters FM, are called “metro”. FM1 is completely in the city area, and the FM2 terminal station is 8 km from Bari.

FR1 and FR2 extend significantly outside the urban area and are more likely commuter trains, although they are operated by the same operator.

Where to buy tickets:

  1. At the ticket office of the station (there may be queues).
  2. At the ticket machine. There are no queues, but you need skill or local help to figure it out. If you have ever bought tickets from a parking meter, then the system of buying tickets from Italian machines is similar.

Electric trains

The trains in Bari are the same “light metro”, but with terminal stations outside the urban area. The operator Ferrotramviaria offers to get to Barletta station using the lines FR1 and FR2. FR2 travels through the airport, while FR1 bypasses Europa and Aeroporto stations to Palese and Macchie.

The tariffs are the same as for the metro, as the metro and commuter train network in Bari is unified and operated by one carrier. The entrance to the main station in Bari is to the right of the entrance to the central station Bari Centrale.

Long-distance trains and trains (travel outside Bari and other areas of Puglia) are operated by the national operator Trenitalia

Sightseeing train

Trenino della Felicita or the Train of Happiness will take the tourist all over Bari. The tour lasts 2 hours. The train is only 20 minutes on the way. The rest of the time is devoted to hiking, tastings, and the stories of the guide.

The train has 50 seats, it is open and runs slowly so that tourists can enjoy the views of Bari. It drives even along those paths where there is no public transport access. Tours are available in 5 languages: Italian, English, French, German and Spanish. Japanese, Chinese and Russian are also available upon request.

Departure station – tourist port of Bari; the train returns to the same place in 2 hours, having followed through 8 stations.

The price of “happiness” is 15 €. Reviews of tourists are entirely positive: they only complain that it shakes strongly on the paving stones in the center.

On average, people in Bari spend 57 minutes daily on public transport. Many people prefer to walk, considering the center to be quite compact and not suitable for transport. In one thing, the reviews of residents and tourists agree: the historical center of the city is a headache for car drivers.

Shopping In Bari

In Bari, everything is created for an exciting shopping experience, in the Apulian city, there are prestigious brands and budget brands.


The mid-range sites are located on Corso Cavour, which starts from the train station and runs to Old Bari.

On via Sparano there are mainly boutiques and expensive stores, including Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Prada, Twinset and others, but there are also budget options such as Zara, H&M, etc. Benetton has been open since 2001 in the historic Palazzo Minchuzzi, built at the beginning of the 20th century by the architect Aldo Forcignano and engineer Gaetano Palmiotto. Via Sparano is closed to car traffic, so nothing will interfere with a pleasant walk or shopping.


The shops are also located on the parallel street via Argiro , as well as on the intersecting highways – via Putignani, via Principe Amedeo, via Dante Alighieri.

Stores, as a rule, open at 9.30 – 10.00, close at 13.30 for lunch, in the afternoon they work from 16.00 – 16.30 to 20.00 – 20.30. Some shops are closed on Sunday, but not all.


Not far from the train station on piazza Umberto, 41-41, there is a Natura Si shop selling organic food.


The bakery Panificio Adriatico (via N. De Giosa, 113) is a must for all lovers of bakery products. Here they are of high quality and variety – sourdough focaccia barese with tomatoes and olive oil, breads and pastries made from different types of flour, closed pizza with onions, Altamura bread and much more. It is better to come in the morning, as the production runs out quickly.

Closed: second half of Thursday and Sunday; in summer – the second half of Saturday and Sunday.

Salumaio Puglia (via N. Piccinni, 168) is considered one of the best sausage shops in southern Italy. It sells salami, cheeses, dairy products from Apulia and all of Italy, you can buy lard from Arnada, meat products from Martina Franca, as well as pasta, confiture, honey, legumes, sweets, wine, craft beer.

20 km from Bari there is an outlet Outlet Village di Molfetta , which contains more than 140 shops.

It can be reached by public transport – train from Bari centrale to Molfetta, and then bus Molfetta Station Linea 4 – Linea 6, on the way 33 minutes.

Outlet Village di Molfetta opening hours: 10-20, weekends 10-21.

Clothes, shoes and accessories

In the Murat area, in the former palaces of the local nobility, there are all famous world brands – from casual to luxury. Here you can also buy clothes, shoes and accessories from Italian designers, for example, Banana Moon 1978 at Corso Cavour, 45 and  Raphael at Via Dante Alighieri, 24.

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There are several outlets in Bari:

  • VITTÒ GROUP LUXURY OUTLET, Via Luigi Partipilo, 7;
  • PRIMADONNA, Via Sparano Da Bari, 114;
  • OUTLET -SRL, Via Manzoni Alessandro, 39;
  • THE FORTY OUTLET, Via Calefati Alessandro Maria, 318;
  • Barimax Shopping Village, Viale Francesco de Blasio;
  • Fashion District Molfetta Outlet Village 20 km from Bari at Via dei Portuali, 12.

The advantages of buying things in Bari are that prices are 2-3 times lower than in European countries. Discounts in winter are valid from January 6 to March 2, and in summer – from July 2 to September 4.

Cosmetics in Bari

Natural cosmetics made from olive oil are associated with Greece or Cyprus. Several companies in Bari manufacture organic cosmetics based on this ingredient.

In cosmetics, organic olive oil (extra virgin) is used – a product with beneficial properties. The ancient Romans considered it an elixir of youth and beauty, used it as a warming and soothing massage oil.

Olive oil contains a lot of vitamin E – substances with nourishing, moisturizing and soothing properties. This powerful antioxidant blocks the action of free radicals and slows down skin aging.

Famous brands:

  • Nevitaly Puglia  – hair products (dye, oil, hair care);
  • Puglia Cosmesi  – cream, tonic and micellar water, sun protection;
  • Pugliami  – an extensive selection of olive oil-based skin care products.

The Gifex Puglia store at Via Giulio Petroni 26A sells cosmetics for make-up, hair, face and body care from the Italian brand Pettenon.

The cosmetics of these brands are not sold outside Italy. Don’t miss the opportunity to find it in the shops of Bari and take it home.

Eat In Bari

 The traditional Puglia cuisine

The city of Bari is a little less than 1000 years old, and there are about the same authentic Puglia cuisine. Local cuisine – seafood: mussels, oysters, sea cuttings, hedgehogs, octopus. The Apulians consume it raw: for example, a typical Apulian dish is a raw octopus, polpi arricciati. For tourists, seafood can be baked, grilled, steamed. Less often they cook fish: catfish, sea bass, tuna. Anchovies are baked in a terracotta dish, layered with garlic, crushed bread, capers, and mint – these are alici arracanate . Sauces are made from red mullet or anchovy.

Around Bari there are endless fields of olive trees. Apulia is rich in olives and olive oil , which form the basis of the local cuisine. They are eaten raw, smoked, pickled, or as a flavored puree. Puglia oil is highly regarded not only in Italy but also outside the country: it is considered one of the best olive oils in Italy.

Bari has a warm climate and fertile land. The surrounding area is rich in vegetables and aromatic herbs , which he supplies to the north of Italy. Most of all tomatoes, artichokes and chicory . Chime de rapa  , the tops of turnips, and purple carrots are added to local dishes .

You cannot leave Puglia without trying the typical Puglia pasta orecchiette (ears) with turnip tops sauce (Orecchiette con le Cime di rapа). It is made in the narrow streets of the Old Town: in the morning women bring a special table out into the street, knead the dough, mold ears out of it, and immediately sell it. Another authentic local pasta is cavatelli.

In Bari, the predecessor of pizza is prepared – focaccia. A fluffy tortilla with tomatoes, mushrooms or olives and various spices (usually rosemary), which is preferred to any other dish for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sometimes it is made from burnt wheat, and then a smoked taste is obtained.

Originally from Puglia – the second most famous Italian bread: Pane di Altamura, bread from Altamura. This bread was invented in the small Apulian city of Altamura. Now its name is protected by its place of origin, and the real pane di altamura can only be from Altamura. But all over Puglia they bake bread according to the same recipe and call it “Pane come di Altamura” – bread “like from Altamura”.

It has a thick, hard crust and soft crumb. It is believed that this bread does not dry out for a long time.

Among the soups, the local fish soup, alla brindisina, Zuppa di pesce alla brindisina, stands out .

From street food and snacks throughout Puglia, there are pies filled with meat, cottage cheese, fish, and seafood – calzengieddre, they are also panzerotti (calzengieddre, panzarotti). This is an inexpensive and very popular street food: panzerotti with mozzarella and tomatoes cost from 2 €, with prosciutto – from 4 €. The most difficult one, filled with several types of meat, cost about 5.5 €.

Puglia’s cuisine is rich in cheeses. In this region, burratta was created – a cheese that is stored for only a day. It is eaten fresh. Here they invented stracciatella – cheese fibers in cream, and  caciocavallo – hard cheese in the shape of a pear. Also in Bari you can taste the mozzarella (mozarella), ricotta (ricotta) and skamortsu (scamorza) local production. You will be lucky if you find rare local cheeses in the store – canestrato, pecorino, vacchino.

As everywhere in the south of Italy, there are many sweets in Puglia. Local sweet specialties:

  • Castaneda (castagnedde) – watered chocolate and similar in appearance to chestnuts cakes from almonds with lemon zest,
  • sporcamuss – balls with cream in powdered sugar,
  • sfogliato di Canosa – puff pastry stuffed with almonds, wine, cinnamon and raisins,
  • pasticciotto – pies made of dough, similar to shortbread, with lemon, pistachio, chocolate and any other cream,
  • tette delle Monache – an airy sponge cake in the shape of a female breast, with a cream filling, translated as “nun’s chest”,
  • sospiri – biscuit cakes with different cream fillings,
  • at Christmas they bake cartellate – cookies that can be served with marsala, honey, cinnamon, figs.

Recommended restaurants in Bari

Restaurant “In vino veritas”

Oh, those Romans, how right they were in their dictum: “in vino veritas”! And the truth is in wine, especially when paired with delicious grilled meats. The peculiarity of this institution is the meat cuisine, of course, a variety of snacks. Lamb ribs are highly recommended.

Location: Bari city center
Average price *: 30/40 EUR per person, excluding drinks. Good enough wine list.
Opening hours: all days except Monday. Ideal place for dinner
Cuisine: meat and local traditional
Style: very cozy place.

Restaurant “La Locanda di Federico II”

A very beautiful place in the heart of the old city, where history is intertwined with amazing culinary traditions. There is a summer terrace.

Location: Old town of Bari
Average price *: 40/50 EUR per person excluding drinks. National wines
Opening hours: Daily
Cuisine: Mediterranean and local traditional
Style: very cozy place. Ideal for dinner

Restaurant “Ai 2 ghiottoni” or “At two gluttons”

One of the classic places for true gourmets of Mediterranean cuisine in the city of Bari, which carries all the flavor of this land. Excellent combination of price and quality of products. Well, the main thing is the ability to present and surprise with what is rich in the sea and land. Absolutely varied selection …

Location : City Center Bari
Average price *
 50 / 80 euros per person without drinks
Opening hours : Monday-Sunday 12: 30-15.30, 20:00 – 01:00 Cuisine : Traditional Mediterranean. One of the best local wine list. Style : quite elegant and cozy place. Ideal place for dinner.

Restaurant “Santa Lucia”

A place for those who love seafood in a wide variety of culinary interpretations. One of the few restaurants located right by the sea. There is also a summer terrace and a pizzeria.

Location: Promenade of the city of Bari
Average price *: 50/60 euros per person excluding drinks. Local wines
Opening hours: All days except Monday
Cuisine: Seafood, traditional local cuisine
Style: A relatively simple style.

How to get to Bari

By plane

In Bari, there is an international airport called Bari Airport named after Karol Wojtyla (that is, Pope John Paul II) or Aeroporto di Palese Macchie, its designation on the airport board is usually BRI (according to IATA).

Bari Airport is located 8 kilometers from the city center. The fastest and most convenient way to get from the airport to the city center is by metro (line FM 2), which connects the airport with the central railway station. Travel time is only 15 minutes. Bari Centrale – Bari Aeroporto ticket costs 5 euros.

With a convenient railway connection, buses are no longer so justified, although I will mention them: from the airport to the city of Bari from early morning (4.45) to 23.00 there are numerous buses – airport shuttles, as well as regular city buses – AMTAB BUS 16, as well as TEMPESTA BUS.

You can also order a taxi from Bari airport to the city here in advance ( Pros: a large reliable company, an international taxi service at local prices; order confirmation comes to your email, and an English-speaking driver is waiting at the exit from the arrivals area with a sign with your surname; fare is known in advance; payment of the full amount only upon arrival at the place).

By train to Bari from other cities in Italy

On the Italian Railways website Trenitalia, you will find all possible options for getting to Bari by train. Travel time to Bari, for example from Rome, will take from 4 hours on the Frecciargento high-speed train to 6 hours on the Intercity train; from Milan by expressway Frecciabianca – about 7 hours 45 minutes. When purchasing your ticket, choose Bari-Centrale station as your destination over other local stations in Bari.

Ferries to Bari

Bari is home to a major port on the Adriatic, with regular ferry services to neighboring Mediterranean countries. When traveling to Bari from non-Schengen countries such as Montenegro and Albania, make sure you have a valid Schengen multi visa. Tickets can be bought both on the spot at the port of departure and in advance via the Internet on the sites of the ferry companies below. Upon examination, it turns out that “not all ferries are equally useful.” Due to the length of the trip and some logistical inconveniences.

From Dubrovnik (Croatia) to Bari

You need ferries from Jadrolinija, its official website is here.

The schedule on the Dubrovnik-Bari route can be viewed here.

Departure from Dubrovnik at 22.00, arrival in Bari at 8.00. The cheapest tickets start at 44 euros (deck seats), the price varies depending on the high / low season / weekends during the high season (tickets are more expensive on these days).

From Bar (Montenegro) to Bari

Ferries Montenegro Lines, departing from Bar to Bari at 22.30, arriving at 7.50. The cheapest tickets for hard deck seats start at € 56 or more, depending on the type of ferry accommodation. Information, buying tickets from Bar to Bari and back here

From Corfu Island (Greece) to Bari

The most convenient way to get from Corfu to Bari is with SUPERFAST ferries. The current schedule of SUPERFAST ferries and ticket prices (including Corfu-Bari) for 2020 can be found here.

On those days of the week when there is no ferry (they do not run every day even in the “high season”), and you really want to get to Bari, theoretically you can take a ferry from the port of Kerkyra to Igoumenitsa – this is a port city in the northwestern part mainland Greece, and from there – by ferry to Bari. Travel time from Kerkyra to Igoumenitsa is from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the type of ferry. But, naturally, this “jumping” from ferry to ferry is rather inconvenient, so it is better to avoid it.

If you are not sure when you are going to travel from Corfu to Bari, then it is better not to bother with planning in advance and just come to one of the offices of ferry companies in the port of Kerkyra and buy a ferry ticket just before the trip.

From Durres (Albania) to Bari

Ferries from Ventouris and Adria Ferries connect Albania with Italy. Travel time from Durres to Bari by ferry – 9 hours.

Rome – Bari: how to get there

Trains run from Rome to Bari up to 4 times a day. Travel time is approximately 4-4.5 hours. You can check the schedule on the Raileurope service. The cost of such a trip varies between 40-80 euros one way, depending on the type of train (high-speed or regional).

It will be cheaper to get there by regular bus. Buses in Rome leave from the Tiburtina bus station. Travel time takes approximately 5-6 hours. Carriers in this direction are Flixbus, Marozzi, and others. The cost of such a trip is from 25 to 45 euros one way.

Bari Accommodation

Bari is considered a recognized tourist center, so there are a lot of accommodation places for every taste. You can stay in apartments, guest houses, hotels of various categories, bed and breakfasts, holiday homes, etc. Most of the hotels are located in the historic center, but there is no such thing as a “first beach line” among hotels in Bari, i.e. you will have to get to the sea anyway. On the plus side, many Bari hotels offer their guests breakfast included in the price, free Wi-Fi, and some have free parking spaces. Accommodations in Bari received high ratings from tourists on Booking.com.

Mercure Villa Romanazzi Carducci 4 * – the hotel has a convenient location relative to the transport system. The hotel has a restaurant, spa center with sauna, Turkish bath and hydromassage, gym. Guests are offered rooms of various sizes, meals – breakfasts. Wireless internet is free. There is also paid private parking on site.

Travel B&B – this bed and breakfast located in the heart of the city. The hotel is surrounded by a small garden and you can stay in rooms with garden or city views. Rooms have a balcony, and there is a coffee or tea maker inside the room. The offered meals are buffet breakfasts. Wi-Fi is free. Paid public parking is available nearby. There is an opportunity to rent a bicycle at the reception;

Villa Longo de Bellis – the hotel is located in a historic building, near the sea. You can stay in rooms of various sizes, meals – breakfasts. Rooms have a coffee or tea maker. The hotel is surrounded by a garden and a terrace for relaxation. Wi-Fi is available free of charge throughout the hotel. The hotel also offers free private parking;

Bed and Breakfast La Villa – the hotel is located in a quiet area, within walking distance from the beach. Guests can stay in rooms of various sizes, breakfast is included in the price. Free Wi-Fi and free parking are provided. The reception is open 24 hours a day and you can rent a bike.

Bari Guide
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