Bari

In the past Bari’s port harboured the fleet of the Empire of Constantinople and it was famous for being the starting point for ships that set off for the East. 

There are almost 15 kilometres of coastline from the north of Bari to the south. The most central area starts from the city walls and goes as far as the famous Pane e Pomodoro beach. 

The legend of Sanctus Nicolaus (San Nicola) became “Santa Claus”, via the Dutch Sinter Klass. This legend was taken to America via immigrants moving across the ocean.

This is what locals call the San Nicola quay. The word “lanz” in Barese dialect means wooden boat. In the past, fishermen would throw the fish on the ground as soon as they landed to sell them. Whoever bought them did so “N’ dèrr’a la Lanza”, or “at the feet of the boats”. 

After a stroll through the labyrinthine streets of Old Bari, stop off at largo Albicocca and be transported to another time. This delightful piazza is dedicated to love and becomes even more magical at night when the evening lights are turned on. 

Throw yourself into the real spirit of Bari by tasting the famous Bari Street Food, either in the narrow streets or on the seafront. Try the foccacia, the panzerotti, the popizze baresi, the sgagliozze and the raw fish. 

In reality, San Nicola Quay is such an evocative place that it is great to visit at any time of day, from breakfast in the morning to aperitivo time at sunset. 

A unique experience to explore the city from a different point of view. A guided tour by archaeologists of the underground areas of the Swabian Norman castle, and the old town.