Bari: The Complete Guide

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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This complete guide to Bari not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Bari and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Petruzzelli Theatre

The Petruzzelli Theatre is the largest in Bari and the fourth largest in Italy, located in the heart of the city. The theatre’s story began in 1896 when Onofrio and Antonio Petruzzelli, merchants and shipowners from Bari, presented plans for its construction to the city, which were designed by engineer Angelo Cicciomessere. After the city […]

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Location: Petruzzelli, Corso Cavour, Bari, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy | Distance: 0.8km

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Visiting Petruzzelli Theatre

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Lungomare Nazario Sauro

Lungomare (Seafront) is a picturesque 15-kilometer-long waterfront promenade along the Adriatic Sea. It offers stunning views of the harbor and marina, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll at any time of day, especially at sunset or early morning. Along the promenade, several seaside cafes serve fresh seafood and drinks, providing a delightful culinary experience. […]

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Location: Lungomare Nazario Sauro, Bari, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy | Distance: 0.9km

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Visiting Lungomare Nazario Sauro

Explore Bari yourself with our self-guided walking tour!

Margherita Theatre

The Margherita Theatre is one of Bari’s historic theatres, which reopened in December 2018 after an extensive restoration and has since been transformed into a contemporary art museum. Originally built between 1912 and 1914 on pillars in the sea at the old port, the Margherita Theatre replaced the Varietà Margherita, a wooden theatre that was […]

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Location: Teatro Margherita Piazza IV Novembre 70122 Bari BA Italy | Website | Distance: 1.1km

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Visiting Margherita Theatre

Piazza del Ferrarese

Ferrarese Square takes its name from Stefano Fabri, a 17th-century merchant from Ferrara who played a significant role in the development of the area, including the loggia of the Seat Palace (Palazzo del Sedile), which served as the old Town Hall. Established in 1612, the square was designed as an extension of the nearby Merchant […]

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Location: Piazza del Ferrarese, Bari, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy | Distance: 1.1km

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Visiting Piazza del Ferrarese

Museo Diocesano, Bari

The Museo Diocesano in Bari is a treasure trove of religious art and historical artifacts, offering a deep dive into the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region. Located in the heart of the city, the museum is housed in a historic building that was once part of the archbishop’s palace. The collection spans several […]

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Location: Museo Diocesano & Museo della Cattedrale, Strada Ronchi, Bari, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy | Price: Adults €5 | Website | Distance: 1.2km

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Visiting Museo Diocesano, Bari

Bari Civic Museum

The Civic Museum of Bari, founded in 1919, is a cultural treasure located in the heart of Bari Vecchia, the city’s historic district. Since 1977, the museum has been housed in a medieval tower house, offering visitors a rich journey through Bari’s history, starting from the Renaissance period. The museum’s collection is diverse, featuring war […]

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Location: Museo Civico Bari Str. Sagges, 13 70122 Bari BA Italy | Hours: From Monday to Friday: : 9:30-18:00 (last entry 17:30) Saturday: 09:30-13:30 (last entry 13:00) Sunday: 17:00-20:00 (last entry 19:30) | Price: €5,00 | Website | Distance: 1.2km

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Visiting Bari Civic Museum

Sant’Antonio Abate Fortino

The Sant’Antonio Abate Fortino is strategically located along the Imperatore Augusto seafront, directly facing the old port, now known as Sant’Antonio Pier. Along with Santa Scolastica, it was one of the four main ramparts that defined Bari’s city walls until the 19th century. The fortino stands at the highest point of the old town, offering […]

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Location: Il Fortino di Sant'Antonio 70123 Bari BA Italy | Distance: 1.3km

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Visiting Sant’Antonio Abate Fortino

Piazza Mercantile, Bari

Since medieval times, Ruga Francigena, the Pilgrims’ Route leading to the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Bari, has originated from Merchant Square (Piazza Mercantile). The square was connected to the port by the fortified Tower of Sant’Antonio, erected in 1440 by Prince Giovanni del Balzo Orsini. Following the devastating fire and explosions of 1601, the […]

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Location: Piazza Mercantile, Bari Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1.3km

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Visiting Piazza Mercantile, Bari

Cattedrale di San Sabino

King William I of Sicily, also known as Il Malo (“the Wicked”), destroyed the Byzantine cathedral during the sack of Bari in 1156. This act of devastation razed many churches and public buildings, leaving the Basilica of San Nicola as the last one standing. The original church on the cathedral’s site dated back to the […]

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Location: Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino, Piazza dell'Odegitria, Bari, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy | Distance: 1.3km

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Visiting Cattedrale di San Sabino

Castello Normanno-Svevo

Also known as the Hohenstaufen Castle, the Swabian Fortress was built around 1132 by the Norman King Roger II. The castle was destroyed in 1156 by King William I (“The Wicked”) of Sicily during his campaign in Bari but was restored by Emperor Frederick II in 1233. The castle is surrounded by a moat and […]

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Location: Castello Normanno-Svevo di Sannicandro, Piazza Castello, Sannicandro di Bari, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy | Hours: Daily 9:00 - 19:00 Closed Monday, Tciket office closes at 18:00 | Price: € 10 | Website | Distance: 1.3km

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Visiting Castello Normanno-Svevo

Museo Nicolaiano

The Museo Nicolaiano (Nicolaian Museum) showcases artistic works that are deeply connected to the centuries-old history of the basilica and the devotion of the faithful to Saint Nicholas. First opened in 2010, the museum underwent significant renovations and was reopened in May 2019 with an updated exhibition pathway. The museum is spread across three levels. […]

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Location: Museo Nicolaiano, Largo Papa Urbano II, Bari, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy | Hours: Everyday 11.00-18.00; Closed Wednesday | Price: Free | Distance: 1.5km

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Visiting Museo Nicolaiano

Basilica San Nicola, Bari

Saint Nicholas of Myra, from Asia Minor (Anatolia), should not be confused with Saint Nicholas of Lyra, a 13th-century Franciscan scholar from Lyre, Normandy. Nicholas of Bari is renowned as a prolific miracle worker and is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, the unmarried, and students. Born in the 3rd […]

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Location: Basilica San Nicola, Largo Abate Elia, Bari, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy | Distance: 1.5km

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Visiting Basilica San Nicola, Bari

Church of Santa Maria del Buonconsiglio, Bari

The square of Santa Maria del Buonconsiglio is one of the most picturesque and historically rich corners of Bari’s old city. The original Byzantine church, once a grand apse structure with three naves, was unfortunately demolished in the 1930s during a misguided restoration effort aimed at highlighting the “Romanesque” aspects of the city. Today, only […]

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Location: Chiesa di Santa Maria del Buon Consiglio, Vico Forno San Scolastica, Bari, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy | Distance: 1.7km

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Visiting Church of Santa Maria del Buonconsiglio, Bari

Archaeological Museum of Santa Scolastica

The Archaeological Museum of Santa Scolastica, formerly known as the Archaeological Museum of Bari or the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Bari, is situated in the city of Bari. The museum’s collection features artifacts and findings from the region’s indigenous civilizations, such as the Daunia, Messapia, and Peucezia, spanning periods from prehistory to the Bronze Age. […]

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Location: Chiesa rettoria di Santa Scolastica da Norcia, Strada Annunziata, Bari, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy | Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 09.00 - 19.00 Sunday and holidays 09.00 - 13.00 Monday closed | Price: €5.00 | Website | Distance: 1.7km

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Visiting Archaeological Museum of Santa Scolastica

Egnazia

The ancient city of Gnatia, Egnatia or Ignati, is located southeast of Bari, traces its origins back to the 13th century BC when Bronze Age peoples first settled there. Like other villages along the Adriatic shore, Egnazia was vulnerable to numerous invasions from the east until it ultimately became a Roman city at the close of the third […]

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| Hours: Summer: 8:30am - 7:30pm Winter: 8:30am - 4:30pm | Price: €3 | Distance: 50.5km

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Visiting Egnazia