In the south of Italy, in the Puglia region, there is a beautiful port city of Bari. On the map of Italy, it is located in the place where the heel begins, washed by the waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Thousands of tourists tend to visit this fabulous corner of the country. Its appeal lies in the fact that this large settlement has managed to retain the atmosphere of a small town. Here you can see many historical architectural structures and monuments, magnificent castles, small markets and luxury shops. Guests of the city can taste local dishes, get acquainted with history and culture, see one of the main shrines of the Christian world - the myrrh-streaming relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. An important reason to visit Bari is that it is here that history and legends are closely intertwined, creating a unique atmosphere.
A bit of history
The first inhabitants on the territory of Bari (Italy) appeared about three thousand years ago. Presumably, the ancient Greeks lived here, who were later driven out by the Romans. The first mention of the harbor of Bari was found in written sources in 181. Most likely, after a branch of the Trojan Road trade route passed through this territory, the city acquired the significance of a major port. Already in the 5th century, the Goths ruled here, then the Byzantines. In 847, the Arabs captured the territory, but could not hold power over it, and in 871 he returned to the Byzantines. In 1068, all of southern Italy was conquered by the Normans, whose dominance ended in the 12th century. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the city was ruled by a dynasty of dukes, which brought it into decline. After the death of her daughter Isabella of Naples, the county became again the property of the Kingdom of Naples.
Churches and temples of Bari
Pilgrimage tours to Bari are very popular among Russian Orthodox. Italy is primarily attracted by the opportunity to touch the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, which are stored in the Basilica of St. Nicholas specially built for them. Its construction dates back to the period of Norman domination in Apulia. The basilica was built to store the relics of St. Nicholas, brought from the city of Mira. Its majestic facade is divided into three parts by pilasters. The basilica has three entrances, the doors of which are decorated with rich carvings. On both sides are attached two bell towers, which have a shortened shape. The inner part looks like a Latincross and decorated with beautiful carvings, frescoes and gilding.
In the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, which was designed by Academician Shchusev in the Old Novgorod spirit, there is a statue of St. Nicholas, donated to the church in 2003 by Zurab Tsereteli. Other significant sights of the city of a religious nature include the cathedral church of St. Sabin, built in the Romanesque style, the architecture of which is characterized by power and strength. Looking at such a structure, you feel protected and filled with strength.
The cost of a pilgrimage tour to Bari (Italy readily accepts all pilgrims) lasting 7 nights is, on average, from 1150 euros.
Norman-Swabian Castle - the symbol of the city
Along with pilgrimage tours, sightseeing tours are no less popular. During such a trip to Bari (Italy opens its arms to tourists from different countries), here you can see a huge number of unique sights, the leading place among which is occupied by historical architectural structures. It is recommended to visit the impressive building, which is considered to be the symbol of the city - Bari Castle. It was built in the 12th century by order of the Sicilian king Roger II. Having existed for only 25 years, it was destroyed, and in 1233 it was restored, but already by the Roman Emperor Frederick II. The subsequent rulers of the city transformed and completed the construction of the castle at their discretion. Today it is a majestic building with thick walls and spear-shapedbastions for gun attacks. Since a deep moat was dug around the castle, you can get into it only by crossing the massive bridge leading to the entrance. Currently, it houses a historical museum that tells about the most interesting facts from the past.
Teatro Petruzzelli
In Bari (Italy), whose attractions are concentrated mainly in the historical part of the city, it is recommended to visit the Petruzzelli Theater, which is located about 1.5 km from the Basilica of St. Nicholas. It is the largest in the city and the fourth largest in the country. Its construction was initiated by the brothers Antonio and Onofrio Petruzzelli in 1903. The interior is decorated with amazingly beautiful painted frescoes. The theater itself is a unique two-story building, painted dark red and decorated with white decor. There are sculptures on its roof. Many famous Italian artists have performed on the stage of this theater, including Riccardo Muti, Luciano Pavarotti, Carla Fracci.
The sights of the city also include numerous palaces belonging to the Italian nobility and built in the Middle Ages. The Archbishop's Palace is the largest, followed by Palazzo Diana and Palazzo Gironde.
Piccinni Theater
On the southern border of the historic center of Bari, Italy shows visitors the oldest theater in the city - Piccinni, whose building was built in 1854. The first performance took place on May 30 of the same year. OwnThe theater received its name only a year later in honor of the composer Niccolò Piccinni. After Petruzzelli was destroyed by fire in 1991, Piccinni became the cultural center of the city and remained so for almost 20 years. Now it is one of the largest theaters in Puglia, gathering as many spectators as the Verdi Theater in San Severo or the Politeama in Lecce.
Other attractions in the city
In addition to the castles and palaces that have been preserved in Bari, Italy does not limit the sights of the city to the already named places and objects. This list can be supplemented with such an interesting place as Piazza Ferrarese, which makes an amazing impression on vacationers. It is located near the old harbor. The square is especially elegant and beautiful in the evening and at night, when the lights come on along the busy shopping road.
You can feel complete peace by visiting the Botanical Garden of the University of Bari. Italy is proud of him and set aside an area of 1 hectare for the garden near the Russian church. Its discovery took place in 1960. A greenhouse has been built in the garden. Here you can see about 40,000 varieties of plants, 500 of which are found only in Puglia.
Museums of the city
The city of Bari (Italy) has a huge number of museums that are always ready to tell every tourist something new and interesting. The most visited is the Nikolaevsky Museum. Here is a collection of exhibits related to the history of the Basilica of St. Nicholas, ancient icons, religious objects and other materials of the Byzantine era. He wasopened in 2010 and receives tourists daily (except Friday) from 10.30 to 17.00.
It will be interesting to visit the archaeological museum, which contains a complete collection of archaeological materials from Puglia, most of which are bronzes and ceramics. Here you can get acquainted with the representatives of the Apulian civilization - the peoples of Peuchetia, Massalia and Daunia.
For connoisseurs of art, the Art Museum is open, which contains a huge collection of works of the 19th-20th centuries.
Bari beaches
Going on vacation to the specified city, which is located on the sea coast, most tourists assume the presence of excellent beaches in this resort. But in Bari (Italy), the beaches are not exactly attractive for swimming, as they have a rocky terrain. The only place in the city where you can sunbathe and swim safely is Pane e Pomodoro beach. It is well equipped and provides a lot of entertainment for vacationers. Its only drawback is the small area, which cannot accommodate everyone. Those who want to sunbathe on more spacious beaches should drive 20-25 kilometers from the city, as there are small coves.
Tourists' opinions
Those who have already been to Bari (Italy) leave extremely positive reviews. After all, here you can not only get acquainted with the interesting history of the city and see wonderful sights, but also taste unique local dishes cooked according to traditional recipes. Selection of hotels in Breeis so diverse that it will satisfy both the most demanding tourists and those who prefer an economical holiday. And in the evening, guests of the city are waiting for numerous clubs and restaurants. Thanks to the convenient location of the resort, the weather is warm all year round, so you can plan a vacation at any time.
Bari is a city that will make you fall in love with Italy at first sight.
