WIZZ Guides compiled by Universal Business Media Ltd. Bari. Overview. Places to Visit. The Basilica of St Nicholas. Teatro Petruzzelli.

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1 Bari Overview Located on Italy s south-west coast on the Adriatic Sea, Bari is Southern Italy s second city (after Naples). The capital of both the province of Bari and the Puglia region, the city is an important economic and cultural centre. Once a thriving port town, the population of Bari has decreased in recent years to 320,000 although the urban area is increasing in size at an incredible rate. Not well known on the tourist trail (yet) Bari has a unique history and many wonderful and ancient attractions to visit that will surely see travellers come in their numbers. Make the most of the authentic feel while it still exists. Founded before the birth of Christ, Bari houses a wealth of ancient and medieval history in its old town quarter of Barivecchia. The maze of narrow and winding streets and alleyways provide a glimpse back into what life in Bari might have been like and with 40 churches and over 120 shrines there is a lot to see. Once you re done with those why not wander around the Pinacoteca Provinciale (Provincial Art Gallery)? The gallery display s many fine examples of art from, and relating to the Puglia region, some dating back as far as the 11th century. Get outdoors during your visit to Bari and take in some of the most beautiful coastline in Italy. There are plenty of white sandy (and rocky!) beaches in the Puglia region all safe for swimming and you will find a variety of water sports on offer at many of them if you re feeling active. During the winter months when the temperature is still fairly mild a walk along the beach can be a refreshingly invigorating experience! Food lovers will be delighted with the culinary delights on offer in the city. Traditional Bari dishes can be found on most menus, and the combination of fresh local ingredients and simple cooking techniques has made them a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. With fishing being one of the main industries in Bari it would almost be rude not to sample some of the fresh seafood available, which also features heavily in traditional cooking. Find a small family run restaurant for hearty, flavoursome grub at a reasonable price or head down to the old town where trendy restaurants serving international cuisine can be found. Bari has much to offer in the form of after dinner entertainment. For a cultural hit check out one of the theatres for a mix of classical and contemporary performances. For a more relaxing evening sit outside one of the bars down at the old port and watch the world go by over a glass of chilled local wine. Anyone that wants to party need look no further than the Barivecchia, the old town where new pubs and clubs spring up on a regular basis. From live music to hardcore club beats there is a place to suit everybody s taste with prices to match! Places to Visit The Basilica of St Nicholas This famous church located in the heart of Bari is of significant importance to Christians all around the world. Both Orthodox Christians and Roman Catholics from Eastern Europe make pilgrimages here to celebrate the life of Saint Nicholas. The beautiful but imposing building is a magnificent sight in the bright sunshine and even more so at night when it is lit up for all to see. Open to the public for guided tours daily. Teatro Petruzzelli At over 100 years old the Teatro Petruzzelli is one of Italy s grandest opera houses. The stunning Art-Noveau building boasts a beautiful frescoed dome standing guard over the red velvet seats and ornately decorated interior. A devastating fire reduced the building to ash in the early 1990 s but more than 18 years later the theatre has been page 1 / 5

2 restored to its former glory and is hosts to some of the best productions in the world. Trani A short journey up the cost from Bari is the town of Trani, a pretty little seaside port bursting with history. The Trani Cathedral is dedicated to St Nicholas and is an interesting example of both Arabic and Romanesque influenced design. Wander along the picturesque seafront and discover the 13th century fort, now restored as a performance venue and museum before exploring the winding streets of buildings made from local white limestone. Museo Archeologico Housed in the University of Bari the Museo Archeologico houses a fine collection of ancient artefacts detailing the diverse history of the Puglia region. From simple coins to ornate vases and inscriptive tombstones, the museum holds a wealth of treasures, there is also a special exhibition dedicated to pre-historic times. The historic museum (founded in 1895) is open to the public year round with the exception of certain public holidays. Castel del Monte A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Castel del Monte sits atop a hill in the town of Andria (about an hour's drive north west of Bari). The unusual castle was built in the 13th century in a perfectly regular octagonal shape and used as a prison and refuge form the plague. Described as a unique masterpiece of medieval military architecture the castle was restored in 1928 after a long period of abandonment. Grotte di Castellana The small town of Castellan Grotte is home to a huge network of natural caves. Discovered in 1938 the caves are one of the most important series of caves in Italy and Europe. Not just famed for their size, they are a splendid example of natural beauty with sparkling crystals, giant stalagmites and stalactites, and the White Cave a stunning cavern of pure white alabaster. Tours run by experienced cave guides are available to the public for what is definitely a must see experience! Alberobello Easily reached by train from Bari is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello. The town is famous for the 14th century huts that look like something straight out of a fairytale. The small white huts are topped with a conical tiled roof which is often decorated with a symbol such as the evil eye, a heart or a planetary symbol. The quaint huts are still used as homes although there are some that have been converted into restaurants and lodgings for visitors. Regular Events January - Nel Gioco del Jazz Internationally renowned musicians head to Bari and the surrounding areas for Nel Gioco del Jazz an annual music event that runs from December to May. An exciting mix of experimental and classical jazz can be heard by the public throughout the city. February - Putignano Carnival page 2 / 5

3 One of the oldest carnivals in the world is the Putignano Carnival, starting on Boxing Day and culminating on Shrove Tuesday it is also one of the longest. Famous for the parades of papier -mâché floats, dancing and music the event is a treat for all the family. March - The Feast Day of San Giuseppe The Feast Day of San Giuseppe is held all over Italy in March and is also known as Fathers Day. Celebrations include the lighting of massive bonfires and in some areas pageants with scenes from the life of St Joseph. April - Bari Expolevante Touted as the Adriatic regions biggest trade fair the Bari Expolevante is an international fair specialising in sports, leisure and tourism. A must for trades people the fair is also open to the public. Good deals and top class information and advice can be found here. June - The Festa di San Nicola The Festa di San Nicola sees Bari re-enacting the arrival of the body of Saint Nicholas by sea from Turkey in The festival is deeply felt and every year a miracle occurs when a clear liquid, renowned for its healing qualities, seeps from the bones of the Saint. June - European Rally Championships One of Italy s oldest rally races takes place in Lecce every June. Part of the Italian and European Rally Championships the event attracts huge crowds all wanting to experience the high adrenaline excitement as the drivers fly round the scenic course. July - Madonna della Bruna In the nearby town of Matera the annual celebration of the patron saint, Madonna della Bruna takes a full year to prepare for. Her carriage is adorned with beautiful scenes from the Old and New Testaments before being paraded through the town. August - Valle d'itria Festival The Puglia regions biggest classical music event Valle d'itria Festival takes place every year in the town of Martina Franca. The celebration includes opera s, music concerts and events entitled Meeting with the Opera, a series of lectures and discussions around classical music. September - Jazz in Puglia Festival The annual international Jazz in Puglia Festival brings music to some of the most beautiful settings in the Puglia region. From jazz and blues to soul and gospel, hear music from world class artists in churches, city squares and even in caves. November - Beaches Although the weather is getting colder, October days still tend to be very bright. Why not take a break from page 3 / 5

4 sightseeing and stroll down one of Bari s famous beaches. Although sunbathing is no good the air is fresh and the sea sparkling in the autumn sun. November - the Levante International Film Festival Every November the Levante International Film Festival comes to Bari celebrating independent film and supporting language research in film making. Film screenings take place throughout the city, with the productions vying for the top prizes and the acclaim that comes with them. December - Artistic Christmas Crib Get into the Christmas spirit with a family trip to the Artistic Christmas Crib near Lecce. Through a set made from papier-mâché and acrylic foam and with a lighting system that simulates sunrise and sunset, the story of Jesus is told. Getting Around Airport Transfers The Bari International Airport, Aeroporto di Bari "Karol Wojtyla", is located approximately 11 km North West of Bari and has recently undergone a massive development allowing it to support greater numbers of air passengers. The easiest way to travel to and from the airport by public transport is to take the Tempesta Autoservizi bus right into the heart of Bari to the central station. A one-way ticket costs 4.15 and the journey takes around half an hour. Services run throughout the day from 45 minutes to two hours, it is advisable to check the timetable before travelling. Amtab, the local public transport provider offer a more scenic bus route in the form of route 16. With tickets only costing 0.80 one-way, the longer journey may be worth it for some. As with all international airports, car hire and taxi ranks can be found within and just outside the terminal. Bus Amtab Bari runs a comprehensive bus service throughout the city and its districts. Many of the routes travel through the city centre making it a great way to get around whilst sightseeing. Tickets are cheap at around 0.75 for a single trip which is valid for 75 minutes and 1.80 for a one day travel card. Car With so many wonderful places to see outside of the city centre, hiring a car is by far the best way to get around. With both international and local car hire companies found at the airport and in Bari city centre prices are competitive and it is easy to rent for a day, week or longer period of time. Prices are usually a little higher if renting from the airport than from one of the city centre outlets, however the airport offices generally have later opening times and are also open on weekends. Ferry Being a maritime port there are an abundance of passenger ferry services serving Bari. Sail across the Adriatic Sea to destinations in Croatia, Greece and Albania. The crossings are too long to only spend a day but if you feel like exploring further afield they make for a good adventure! page 4 / 5

5 Powered by TCPDF ( WIZZ Guides On Foot The compact size of Bari city centre makes it easy to explore on foot. See things at your own pace; take in the atmosphere of the old town and the smell of the sea. Taxi Several taxi companies offer passenger transport in Bari and the surrounding region for short journeys as well as longer hires. Pre-book transport or find a taxi at the Central Station in the city centre. It is possible to find some good deals on longer hire cabs (for instance day trips) and many companies will cater for large groups, call to check prices though before travelling as costs can vary. Train Ferrovie Sud Est run tourist trains from Bari into the heart of the Puglia countryside via winding routes through the picturesque greenery. Many of the main tourist destinations are serviced by the train lines and travelling by train is a delightful way to reach you destination un-hurriedly. page 5 / 5