About this experience
You will stroll through the ancient center of Bari, which will delight you with the soft colors of southern Italian cities, an atmosphere of warmth and coziness. Friendly, smiling, and unhurried Italians will charge you with tranquility and peace. I will show you the most important city landmarks: the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, where his relics are kept, the Cathedral, the Mercantile and Ferrarese squares, and much more. I will tell you about the myths, peoples, history, culture, and traditions of Bari and help you fall in love with the wonderful capital of Apulia!
What to expect
Bari through the centuries
You will visit the main symbol of the city - the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, hear the story of his life, worship, and translation of his relics. I will show you the miraculous column, the bleeding thorn from the wreath of Jesus Christ, the mausoleum of Bona Sforza, the silver altar, the ancient icon and sculpture of St. Nicholas, the mosaic floor in Arabic style, and other important relics. During the rich excursion, you will also see the architecture of Mussolini's era, ancient houses of aristocratic families, the church of St. Gregory, the Lombard period palace, the Norman-Swabian fortress, and the Margarita theater. I will tell you historical details about the first settlements at the site of Bari, myths and legends about the origins of the city, and interesting details about the peoples who lived in Bari for many centuries: Greeks, Lombards, Arabs, Normans, Spaniards, and French.
Walk through the main squares and the “pasta” street
You will enter the Cathedral of Bari, done in a Romanesque style, and see the icon of the Virgin Mary, Byzantine frescoes, and the baroque crypt. You will step onto Mercantile square - the place of execution of tax evaders. I will show you the house of composer Puccini and the medieval town hall located there. You will also walk through another equally interesting Ferrarese square and inspect the Valisa church, archaeological excavations of an ancient road, the old port, bastion, and fortress walls. I will tell you about famous historical figures who influenced the city’s history: the daughter of Milanese Duke Bona Sforza, Counts Roberto Guiscard and Charles of Anjou, kings William the Wicked and Frederick II. You will see the Jesuit monastery and church and learn about the Jesuit order and its activities in Bari. Take a walk through the “pasta” street and uncover the secrets of the typical regional pasta “orecchiette”.
