The APT Bari has produced a set of 5 colourful pamphlets called 'Flashtours' of the city of Bari and province.
Subtitled 'A Land to Discover, history, culture and beauty of', the tourist itineraries in the range are 'The City of Bari', 'The Sea and the Caves', 'A Land of History', 'The Trulli Road' and 'The Land of Altamurgia.
Keep the following in mind when you next go.
The old town of Bari has the longest sea front in Italy which is an impressive claim. Along the way admire the Liberty style Kursaal Santalucia Theatre and the fascist architecture of the Albergo delle Nazione.
The new part of Bari was founded in 1813 and in the Carassi District is the Russian Orthodox Church with its green domes dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the city's patron saint.
On the 23rd June every year the women of the old quarter make orecchiette pasta and offer them to visitors as a good omen and sign of hospitality, a typical tradition linked to Saint Nicholas.
The small fort of Saint Anthony Abate has the best panorama of the city, while near the Basilica of S.Nicola is the Arco delle Meraviglie. Legend says that the arch was built in a single night to allow lovers to meet.
The best view of Bari is near the old boundary wall of the historical centre. It encompasses the small harbour, Trajan colonnade, the Margherita Theatre and Barion Boat Club.
The APT also states that the Arabs also left their mark on the city. The 'Capa du Turk' is a bas-relief of the head of a Moor who was decapitated because he ventured out during a witch's night having been advised to stay indoors.
All in all, Bari is a fascinating place which has left in the air a sense of faith, trade, hospitality and independence from authority.
The gateway to the East.
Basilica Pontificia San Nicola Bari
www.basilicasannicola.org
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