Bari, Italy: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

CC BY-SA 2.0 / loloieg (Laurent Massoptier)

Although it is a leading commercial and industrial center, the bustling port city of Bari offers plenty to charm tourists who pass through on their way to Greece or ports on the eastern Adriatic. Bari serves as the gateway to Puglia’s whitewashed towns, stunning beaches, and unspoiled countryside. This charming, albeit sometimes gritty, city is well worth a visit. The atmospheric old town (Bari Vecchia) is brimming with medieval buildings and churches, offering a glimpse into both traditional and modern Italian life.

Bari is a city full of character, charm, and personality. Corso Vittorio Emanuele II divides the old and new sections of the city. While most attractions are located in old Bari, the new city hosts transport hubs and shopping precincts. Additionally, Bari boasts a magnificent promenade - one of the longest in Europe - perfect for enjoying the Italian tradition of passeggiata, a leisurely evening stroll to socialize and be seen.

Today, Bari presents itself as almost two distinct towns. The picturesque old quarter, with its historic attractions, is crowded into a maze of narrow streets at the end of a peninsula. In contrast, the new town features broad avenues and spacious layouts, stretching to the south. The busy Corso Vittorio Emanuele II serves as the dividing line between the old and new parts of the city. Around Bari, visitors can find several Adriatic beaches that are less crowded and commercialized compared to those farther north, around Rimini, offering a more relaxed coastal experience.

History of Bari

Bari, the capital city of the Apulia (Puglia) region in southern Italy, has a rich and diverse history that spans over millennia. Its strategic location on the Adriatic Sea has made it an important cultural and commercial hub throughout the ages.

Ancient History

Bari’s origins date back to the Bronze Age, around 1500 BC, when it was a small fishing village. It later became a Greek colony, known as Barium, and developed into an important port. During the Roman period, Bari flourished due to its strategic location along the Via Traiana, a significant Roman road connecting Rome to Brindisi. The city became a thriving center for commerce and trade.

Middle Ages

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Bari experienced a tumultuous period marked by invasions and changes in control. It was conquered by the Lombards, followed by the Byzantines in the 6th century. Under Byzantine rule, Bari became the capital of the theme (province) of Longobardia.

In the 9th century, Bari fell into the hands of the Saracens, who held it for about 30 years. The city was eventually recaptured by the Byzantines in 871 AD. Bari continued to grow in importance and became an archbishopric in the early Middle Ages.

Norman Conquest

In 1071, Bari was conquered by the Normans under Robert Guiscard. This marked the beginning of a period of relative stability and growth. The Normans fortified the city and initiated significant construction projects, including the Basilica di San Nicola, built to house the relics of Saint Nicholas, which were brought to Bari from Myra in 1087. The basilica became a major pilgrimage site, enhancing Bari’s religious significance.

Hohenstaufen and Angevin Rule

Bari came under the control of the Hohenstaufen dynasty in the 12th century, becoming part of the Kingdom of Sicily. Emperor Frederick II favored Bari, and the city prospered under his rule. However, after the fall of the Hohenstaufens, Bari was taken over by the Angevins in the 13th century.

Renaissance and Modern Era

During the Renaissance, Bari was ruled by the Sforza family and later by the Kingdom of Naples. The city’s port continued to be a crucial point for trade and military expeditions. Bari faced significant challenges during this period, including plagues and Ottoman attacks.

In the 19th century, Bari became part of the unified Kingdom of Italy. The city underwent modernization, with new urban development and the construction of important infrastructure. Bari’s port was expanded, and the city became an important industrial and commercial center.

20th Century and Beyond

During World War II, Bari played a significant role as a strategic port for the Allies. The city was heavily bombed, and one of the most tragic incidents occurred on December 2, 1943, when a German air raid resulted in the release of mustard gas from a sunken Allied ship, causing numerous casualties.

In the post-war period, Bari rebuilt and continued to grow. Today, it is a vibrant city with a mix of old and new, boasting a rich cultural heritage, lively markets, and a thriving port. Bari Vecchia, the old town, remains a maze of narrow streets filled with history, while the modern city offers a dynamic urban experience.

Bari’s history is a testament to its resilience and importance as a cultural and economic hub in the Mediterranean region.

Visiting Bari for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Bari on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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