My journey through southern Italy, Bari- Travel #15

Dear Steemit friends, Gemma here, let me take you on a journey to southern Italy, to a beautiful town called Bari. Bari is the capitol of the Apulia region situated on the Adriatic Sea on Italy's southern coast. Bari is 116 square kilometres (44.7 square miles) in size and boasts a healthy population of approximately 326,800 people. Bari is an old town untouched by time. It really feels like you are walking in the past on cobble stone streets through narrow, winding alleyways with Italian mama's preparing fresh pasta right on the streets. It feels as though every woman in this town is out making fresh orecchiette, like their ancestors before them. This is authentic Italy in it's rawest form so come step back in time.

Bari isn't the first place people think of to visit when they plan a trip to Italy but by any means shouldn't be overlooked. It doesn't have the hustle and bustle of Rome and it doesn't have the fashion and restaurants of Milan but it certainly has culture. This is where Italians grew up. There is such a sense of community here, you feel right at home with that warm Italian hospitality. Even though Bari is small and relatively unheard of, it has some stunning attractions of its own. The Basilica San Nicola and the Cathedral, are a must-see alone. Along with food, Bari locals are passionate about dancing, right there in the street. In Mexico after they eat it's siesta time however, in Bari, it's time to dance. Pizzica is a traditional folk dance and it is intended to display courtship’s love and passion.

To find me, look for my Chihuahua's face

Bari

Now how do you get to this town untouched by time. You have several options, you can fly directly into Bari International Airport from other destinations in Europe and the United Kingdom. There is a train that will take you from Italy's capitol Rome in 4 hours or you can take a cruise that offers Bari as a port of call. Anyone who reads any of my blogs will realise that I always travel via cruise liner where possible. The cruise ship I decided to travel on was the MSC Magnifica, a truly luxurious Italian based cruise liner. The ship docked right in the heart of town, walking distance to everything.

If you are looking for designer Italian brand shopping and 5-star restaurants then Bari isn't the place for you. Bari is as traditional as it gets, don't get me wrong, shopping is still available but for more unique souvenir items and for the food, bigger portions of the most delicious Italian food you've ever tasted. There's no way you will leave Bari hungry.

I'm sailing into Bari

Bari docks

Train services

Vegan meal for one

Even though Bari is an old town that doesn't see that many tourists, there is a lot to do. Apart from stuffing my face with hot fresh delicious pasta. There are some incredible sights of historical interest. Bari was founded by the Peucetii. Once it passed under Roman rule in the 3rd century BC, it developed strategic significance as the point of junction between the coast road and the Via Traiana. It was developed as a significant trade port for southern Italy, second only to Naples. This historic trade dock has suffered its fair share of disaster and has had to be rebuilt numerous times. Being a fairly unprotected port, it was attacked regularly.

On December 2nd, 1943, 105 German bombers attacked the port of Bari, which was at the time the key supply centre for Allied forces that were fighting their way up the Italian Peninsula. More than twenty Allied ships were sunk in the overcrowded harbour. The port of Bari was again destroyed on 9th April 1945 when the Liberty ship Charles Henderson exploded in the harbour while offloading 2000 tons of aerial bombs. Despite its unfortunate past the Bari docks are still a large trading port and cruise ship destination. Proof that this small town has a lot of determination and strength in them to overcome any adversity.

The stunning old town of Bari

If history doesn't float your boat, I'm sure laying out in the Mediterranean sun on a beautiful beach surrounded by attractive Italians will. Bari may not offer the best beaches in Italy in terms of the quality of the sand but they sure are pretty and hot. Perfect with an espresso martini in hand on a deck chair. Of course being Italy, I shouldn't have to tell you that the coffee is sensational and fills the streets with its rich aroma. Don't forget the gelato, nowhere on earth does gelato like Italy, they may tell you it's authentic Italian gelato but until you've tasted one from old town Italy, you haven't lived.

Beaches not to be missed

Gelato for days

After pasta, gelato, coffee and a hit of sun, I really wanted to see all Bari had to offer. The only problem I was in a food coma so I opted for the tourist tram. Bari offers tourist trams that will take you on a hop on hop off sightseeing tour of the entire town and its major attractions. This is very affordable and operates much like how a modern hop on hop off bus would. It is a great option for families with children or older couples who would find the streets challenging. The tram had its own tour guide that spoke both English and Italian. Not to worry, most people here do speak English and the currency you need is the Euro.

Tourist Tram

Tourist trams take you through the whole city

The Basilica di San Nicola was commissioned in 1089 to contain the stolen relics of St. Nicholas of Myra. This gorgeous white limestone church might just be the symbol of Bari. The crypt below today still houses the remains of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, travellers and children (that's right he’s the original Santa Claus). For a real treat, visit Bari the first week of May for a spectacular show of fireworks and celebrations in honour of the famous saint. Now having lived in Australia myself, I've heard of Christmas in July but in May, that's a new one.

Stunning buildings

Even though the Cathedral of San Sabino is not as well known as the Basilica di San Nicola, it serves as Bari's main church. It was originally built in the 11th century with a strong Byzantine style, however was destroyed in 1156 and rebuilt again in 1170. The Romanesque style of this gorgeous church makes it one of the best examples of the period’s architecture in all of southern Italy. The church gets its name from Bishop San Sabino, whose relics remain preserved in the crypt to this day. If you look carefully at the architecture and carvings, you will notice a stunning rose window. The building also features terrifying mythical creatures and monsters to ward off the non believers.

Cathedral of San Sabino

Castello Svevo

Another architectural feat is the Castello Svevo. This intimidating structure was originally built by the Norman King Ruggero II in the 12th century. Unhappy by it's appearance and design was rebuilt by Frederick II in 1233. During the 16th century, amongst the height of Bari’s glory, Castello Svevo served as a Renaissance residence for Isabella of Aragon. After her passing, it became a hub for artists, writers and powerful dignitaries to showcase their talents. Today you are able to carelessly wander through the enchanting inner courtyard, monumental staircase and small historical museum.

Fizzarotti Palace

As you can see Bari has so many wonders waiting to be discovered, tasted and experienced. The lime-stone buildings and cobble stone streets tell many tales of the past. One building that seems almost out of place is the Fizzarotti Palace. It is an eclectic building designed in a neo-Gothic Venetian style. It was commissioned by banker Emmanuel Fizzarotti in the late 19th century. This unique building is best enjoyed at night time, when it's electric charm lights up the old town.

As the glistening lights of the Fizzarotti Palace wink at me farewell, it's time to move onto my next Italian destination. I hope you have enjoyed my blog on Bari, the old town in southern Italy, thank you for reading and I look forward to sharing more adventures with you, until next time, Vegoutt Everybody!!