Bari is the largest city and the capital of the Puglia region in southern Italy. A captivating port city, Bari is a good mix of historic architectural gems, lively city streets, a seaside promenade and a nice urban beach. Warm sunshine, palm trees, and endless exploration opportunities of charming hidden alleys and nooks throughout the city make this destination one-of-a-kind. If you’re looking for a vibrant mid-sized city near the sea, Bari is both a great place to visit and to live in.
Where is Bari, Italy?
Bari is located in the Italian region of Puglia, in the south eastern part of Italy. With over 325,000 inhabitants and 45 square miles of varying terrain, this ancient port is an important commercial center for southern Italy.
As one of Italy’s largest cities, Bari is well connected to the rest of Italy and Europe by air, highways and trains. You can reach Bari by plane, at the Bari Karol Wojtyła International Airport, the largest in the area. International flights to Bari are available from numerous major cities in Europe.
The city is also accessible by car, via modern highways and roads. It takes three hours to drive from Naples to Bari, five hours from Rome and about three and a half hours from Pescara. There are also train lines connecting Bari to other major Italian cities. For instance, you get to Bari from Rome in just over four hours by direct train lines such as Trenitalia or Italo, faster than driving.
What is Bari, Italy famous for?
1. Basilica San Nicola in Bari, Italy
The Basilica San Nicola has gained its fair share of admiration due to its castle-like design, composed of a square base and two short towers at the entrance. This religious place is held in high regard by both Catholics and Orthodox Christians, bringing together pilgrims from all over Europe desiring spiritual enrichment.
The basilica’s presence is not only considered valuable for those who visit it but also remains present within Christianity as an eminent symbol of faith.
This ancient basilica, with its nave and two side aisles divided by columns and pilasters, is an impressive testament built centuries ago. One of the most noteworthy features is the tribune gallery, which was one of the first of its kind in the region and set a precedent for similar constructions.
It allowed women to access the nave from above. The presbytery is defined by a trio of Byzantine-style arches that draw attention due to their novelty. As if this wasn’t enough for its legacy, it also has been used multiple times as a castle.
2. Old Town in Bari, Italy
The best spot to explore Bari on foot is its historic center. The Old Town quarter of Bari, known as “Bari Vecchia,” has been remarkably preserved for centuries prior. Most major cities in Europe have cleared out their old medieval streets and replaced them with busier roads and modern buildings.
However, the oldest part of Bari hasn’t changed much. It’s an interesting quirk that can make us wonder what life would have looked like here centuries ago. Uniquely, this quarter allows us to time-travel back in history and visualize what used to be.
It’s amazing to witness a site with such an extended human history. Bari has been occupied since the Bronze Age, three thousand years ago.
Remains found from the 5th century BC indicate it was inhabited during the ancient Greeks’ period and following a war against Pyrrhus in the 3rd century BC the Romans took control. They went on to develop the city we know today. It’s truly incredible that in one place we can see evidence of so much human development over many centuries.
Bari’s Old Town has been completely refurbished in the early 2000s, giving its houses a new lease on life with all the modern amenities included. It is now considered one of the largest preserved medieval colonies of Europe and features a diverse mix of colors, churches, palazzos, and more – making it a real tourist destination.
This incredible Italian neighborhood is quite exceptional, an enchanting place that invites people from around the world to come and discover its beauty. You can stroll on pedestrian-only narrow alleys, shop at the local boutiques, watch Italian ladies make gnocchi pasta outside, in front of their homes, or enjoy a glass of Puglian wine at one of the outdoor patios.
3. Piazza Mercantile in Bari, Italy
The Piazza Mercantile in Bari has been a commercial hub since the 14th century and continues to serve as a site for numerous cultural activities. Prominent features of this public square include Palazzo del Sedile, with its 16th-century clock tower, the Palazzo della Dogana, most likely from the Renaissance period when it was built by Italian noblewoman Isabella of Aragon, the stone Colonna inflame lion statue and the baroque Fontana della Pigna fountain.
Piazza Mercantile, situated near the Porto Vecchio, was a major center of activity in Bari since medieval times. The Palazzo del Sedile was constructed here during the second half of the 15th century, and it served as the city council headquarters for many years. Piazza Mercantile is situated just south of Bari’s old city center, about one and a half miles from the Bari Centrale train station. To get there, take a bus on any one of lines 2, 4, 10, 12, 21, or 35 to Piazza del Ferrarese and then walk the rest of the way.
Real estate in Bari, Italy
Bari is a surprisingly affordable city to live in. Real estate prices in Bari are typically below prices in other similarly sized cities in Italy. The average price of a house in Bari is about $365,000 for a 2,000 square foot home. This is based on the average home price of $183 per square foot. There are many attractive apartment buildings in Bari showcasing beautiful Italian architecture and enviable seaviews. An average sized apartment in Bari would cost anywhere from $150,000 to $200,000 depending on location.
Worth noting is that buying a home in Bari is 40% cheaper than in Rome, where the price per square foot is around $300. Bari property is also 25% more affordable than Naples real estate, where the average price per square foot is around $242.
If you’re looking for a good sized city with modern amenities and affordable prices, Bari is a great choice. Compared to most cities in Tuscany, Italy life in Bari comes at a fraction of the cost.
Compared to Lecce, another popular city to live in Puglia located about two hours’ drive south, Bari is around 50% more expensive. However, the city Bari is larger and more accessible than Lecce, thanks to its location further north and its commercial airport.
Best things to do in Bari, Italy
1. Castello Svevo in Bari, Italy
The centuries-old Castello Svevo was erected under the order of Norman King Roger II back in 1132 and is now converted into an exhibition site. This castle allows visitors to explore the Apulian heritage and culture, especially those related to its Norman roots. Its time-honored history makes for a unique experience that shows just how much this fortress has withstood.
Built by Norman King Roger II in the twelfth century, this castle was restored and reinforced after being destroyed by William I of Sicily around 1156. Holy Roman emperor Fredrick II used it during Angevin’s domination.
Later, Ferdinand of Aragon granted the Sforza family rights to ownership before Bona Sforza, Queen of Poland took control. After her death, Neapolitans reclaimed it, using it as a prison and barracks. It stands today as an iconic symbol of Italian history.
This castle is the best way to spend an afternoon in Bari, especially if you are a history fan. It dominates the city’s skyline with its Aragon walls and Hohenstaufen tower. Spanning both entrances of this fortress is an impressive gate and bridge from the south – a visual reminder of all the battles fought in bygone eras. It’s surrounded by a moat, except for one branch off leading to the sea in the north, which is now mainly used for exhibitions and other events.
2. Bari Cathedral in Bari, Italy
The proud Bari Cathedral is an important piece of southern Italy’s history. Serving as a seat for the Archbishop of Bari-Bitonto, it stands today as a testament to centuries of devotion. It is dedicated to St Sabinus, who was once Bishop of Canosa and whose relics are still enshrined here.
Despite its honorable position, this majestic cathedral remains slightly overshadowed by the Basilica of St Nicholas. However, that does nothing to diminish its spectacular grandeur.
The construction of the present building began in the late 12th century and ended in the late 13th century. It was built on the site which had previously been occupied by an Imperial Byzantine cathedral. This structure had been destroyed more than a hundred years prior, in 1156, when William I of Sicily famously known as ‘the Wicked’ stormed it. Evidence of the original pavement can be seen to the right of the transept, stretching even underneath the nave.
The cathedral’s 11th-century facade is a unique example of gorgeous Puglian Romanesque architecture, including three impressive portals featuring rose windows and exquisite carvings like terrifying monsters and creatures. Its campanile was revised with a lantern tower and dome containing vivid Moorish motifs – an amazing engineering accomplishment given its age. Certainly, the beauty, intricate detail, and artwork put into this facade are remarkable to behold.
3. Pane e Pomodoro Beach and Promenade in Bari, Italy
At a distance of only 2 miles from Bari’s old city center, Pane e Pomodoro beach and promenade offers a unique and convenient beach experience right in the city. Simple bread with tomatoes is often enjoyed here during sunbathing – giving it its unusual name. This allows visitors to enjoy the water views here without worrying about any traffic or travel hassle. It is an ideal spot for having an easy and tasty snack while absorbing the southern sun and amazing atmosphere.
To get to this beach, you can take the train from Bari Centrale train station that’s just a couple of miles from Pane e Pomodoro. This beautiful beach offers an ideal escape for those longing for a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful sights with large green spaces featuring benches as well as wooden piers that provide easy access to the waters of the sea.
4. Explore the gems of southern Italy
For a change of scenery, Bari serves as the perfect home base to explore southern Italy in its entirety. Head west and in three and a half hours by car, you will reach the world-famous Amalfi Coast, and discover the pretty coastal towns of Sorrento and Positano. Or drive to Naples in under three hours and take the ferry to explore the most beautiful and praised Italian island, Capri. For a quick day trip, the historical treasure town of Matera, Italy is less than one hour drive from Bari.
You may also head south and tour the picturesque region of Puglia. Marvel at the uniquely Puglian trulli, discover the green countryside sprawling just outside the city, and taste the locally produced mozzarella and other local cheese specialties. Or tour olive farms and try the best olive oil that Italy has to offer. There is so much to see and do in and around Bari, you will have no choice but to admit that Bari is the best underrated Italian city worth exploring.
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