Guide of Bari

On the southern Adriatic coast, Bari is an Italian city with an important port and a rich and fascinating history. Over time Bari has become more and more important in the merchant sector and is a trade hub with the Middle East and since 1930 boasts one of the most important festivals in the country, the Fiera del Levante.

History

According to findings excavated from the Church of San Pietro, the first settlement originates from the Bronze Age, but according to other scholars Bari was a colony of Crete, Greeks who gave it the name of Barion. The Romans took this city and gave it an important role by constructing the Via Traiana, a castle, mint and a pantheon.

With the fall of the Roman Empire, Bari was ruled between the Longobards and Byzantines and there was a brief period of Arab domination then a return to the control of the Lombard dukes of Benevento first and then again under the Byzantines. 1068 is an important year, as the Normans took over the city, after about twenty years the remains of St. Nicholas of Myra were brought here, and a crypt was built. The Sforza managed to lift the city from a dark period under the Angevins and Aragonese and the Venetian domination saw an expansion of the port and consequent growth of the commercial sector. The port has always played a fundamental role in the city, in fact, the Crusaders left from Bari to fight the Holy Wars and during the Second World War, the port of Bari was an important base for the allied forces. 

What to see in Bari 

The Basilica of St. Nicholas is located in the old city and is the symbol of the city. It is a beautiful example of Apulian Romanesque architecture and was built to preserve the relics of Saint Nicholas brought to Bari by some sailors. The Norman - Swabian castle is a fortress from 1100 that was destroyed by William I of Sicily only twenty years after its construction and was restored at the request of Frederick II of Swabia. A large park, Punta Perotti is a green area on the seafront of the city where you can relax and unwind. The Russian Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas is a gem worth seeing.

Beaches around Bari 

The coast and the beaches near the town are mostly rocky, a popular beach is "Pane e pomodoro" a free beach with crystal clear waters. Going south you will find Torre a Mare and Mola di Bari, which are rocky and wild. Moving towards the north coast, there are several beaches near the city, where you can find services and enjoy the beautiful sea with clear waters.