The capital Bari is a city with two faces: On one side the historic old town with small crooked streets, where life happens on the streets. And on the other side the modern city centre with chequered business districts, wide avenues and luxury boutiques.

The boulevard Corso Emanuele II separates both areas from each other, emphasizing the gap between rich and poor. There are many architectonical and cultural treasures in Bari, such as the Basilica San Nicola in the old town, the cathedral San Sabino and the Norman castle of Friechdrich II. The famous Teatro Petruzzelli on the Corso Cavour is one of the biggest private theatres in Italy and the archaeological museum is worth a visit as well. The best shopping areas offer the modern part of the city, on the Via Sparano and the Corso Cavour.

The beautiful coastal villages Trani and Barletta 

The harbour village Trani lies north of Bari and dazzles with numerous historical buildings, which are mainly built of the reddish stone Pietra Tranese, which characterizes the city image. The natural stone is still mined in the quarries around Trani. The cathedral San Nicola Pellegrino is an impressing monument right at the ocean. It was honoured to the pilgrim St. Nicholas. A further architectural masterpiece right at the sea is the castle of the emperor Friedrich II, which was built in 1233. Trani also dazzles with its picturesque fishing harbour with cute fish restaurants and cafés. The strategical location of Trani at the Adriatic Coast made it once a wealthy trading centre.

Going northwards, you will reach Barletta, which is very down-to-earth and characterized by trade. The Castello Federiciano lies at the coast and once was the symbol of the power of the Stauffer and their successors. It once was the scenery for coronations and legislative amendments. The impressive cathedral Santa Maria Maggiore combines Roman and Gothic architecture and dazzles with its Gothic ribbed vault. The gigantic bronze statue Colosso di Eraclio was built in the 5th century and is the symbol of Barletta today.