A flight to Bari takes you to Italy’s Apulian capital on the Adriatic coast. Bari’s key sights include the 11th-century Basilica of San Nicola (where the saint’s bones lie interred) and the colossal Svevo Castle built by the Normans over the ruins of a Roman fort.
Uncover medieval Bari at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Castel del Monte, the castle built by Frederick II in 1240 and famous for its eight octagonal turrets (it appears on Italy’s one- and two-cent coins). Mix with Bari’s food-loving locals in the Piazza Mercantile where just-caught fish is sold each morning.
Away from the crowds, discover the romantic Valle d’Itria (60km south-east of Bari) famous for its beehive-shaped houses (known as trulli). Or hike through the Gargano National Park for beech forests, waterfalls and secluded coves (two hours’ drive north of Bari).
The people of Bari can’t live without home-made orecchiette (ear-shaped pasta) and pungent ricotta forte cheese. Enjoy Puglia’s wines, olive oil and tomato-based pasta sauces along Bari’s seafront, or head to nearby fishing town Taranto for fabulous fresh seafood. |