Home /
Location Guide /
Puglia /
Bari
The second largest city in the Puglia region, Bari is the second economic centre of southern Italy.
Bari is a well known as a port and university city, as well as the city of patron saint Saint Nicholas of Bari. The town’s traditions has been based on its Saint Nicholas who, as the patron of foreigners, created a sense of open-mindedness amongst its residents towards those from overseas which persists to this day.
The old town in the north is the most dramatic medieval towns in the country, with its stone buildings, passage-ways and streets that promise adventures as if travelling back in time. The splendid Basilica of San Nicola (Saint Nicholas) founded in 1087 to receive the relics of this saint. The Cathedral of San Sabino (1035 - 1171) is important example of Romanesque architecture whose rose window.
and the Castello Svevo of Frederick II are all located within walking distance from each other in the old part of town. Often visitors would hear the strong spoken dialect spoken in cafes and small shops here.
On the other hand, the more modern part of the city is the Murattiano section to the south on a promenade on the sea. This part of the city is also the major shopping district (the via Sparano and via Argiro).
The Basi table has a unique culinary tradition, in particular there is the charming orecchiette with cime di rape (small pasta with turnips shaped like ears).
