The seafront, the Basilica of San Nicola, the shopping of Via Sparano and the cozyness of Via Nicolai: these are undoubtedly the main stops for a quick visit to Bari.
But to savor the authentic spirit of the city and discover how the locals live, it is not enough to stroll along the streets of the center and admire the length of our coast!
Do you want to immerse yourself in the history of Bari, discovering with us which are the places and areas that embody the past and present soul of our city? Then continue reading!
The columns of Santa Maria del Buonconsiglio
In the heart of the old city, where the first inhabitants of Bari settled 4,000 years ago, we find eight columns surrounding a floor decorated with mosaics: they are the remains of the medieval church of Santa Maria del Buonconsiglio, an open-air museum that is a must see if you want to unveil a piece of the ancient history of Bari.
Dating back to the 9th-10th century AD, in 946 Santa Maria del Buonconsiglio hosted a ferocious rebellion of the people of Bari against the Byzantine rulers, which was however bloodily suppressed causing the death of many citizens.
Converted into an orphanage during the 16th century, it was later entrusted to the nuns of the Order of Sant’Antonio until the 19th century.
Protagonist of The First, our most loved free tour, the church of Santa Maria del Buonconsiglio is among the most evocative places in Bari Vecchia: a must-see to be discovered through interactive activities and games!
The Wall of Via Venezia and the seafront
What is the favorite place of the people of Bari to admire their sea? Definitely the Wall of Via Venezia!
Crossing Piazza del Ferrarese and passing the Fish Market building on the right, Via Venezia welcomes citizens and visitors with an unmissable breathtaking view of the seafront and with its characteristic houses decorated with courtyards, alleys and stairways.
Built starting from the 4th century BC, during its long history the Wall of Via Venezia has protected the city from enemy sieges and from attacks by Turkish ships.
Having survived the demolition campaign of the 1800s, the southern base of the Wall was later embellished with Roman-era columns. Among these we can also admire the cippus n.128 of the Via Traiana which, passing through Bari, connected Benevento to Brindisi.
Perfect for taking suggestive and romantic photos, the Wall of Via Venezia cannot be missing from your list of things to see in Bari: come discover it with us on our free tour The First!
The Palace of the Apulian Aqueduct
A bold and evocative architecture, covered on the outside by the white stone of Trani and decorated with inlays and inscriptions: it is the building of the Apulian Aqueduct.
Located in Via Cognetti, in the heart of the 19th-century Murat district, the building was designed and built by the young engineer Cesare Brunetti between 1930 and 1937.
The exteriors inspired by the Apulian Romanesque style are accompanied by neo-liberty interiors designed by the architect Duillio Cambelotti, offering an artistic experience completely inspired by the beauty and preciousness of water.
Included in our free tour The First, the Palace of Apulian Aqueduct is a stop to be absolutely included among the things to see in Bari if you want to know the history of our city.
During our guided tour, we will also read an article from the Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno of 1916, announcing the opening of the first public fountain in the city!
The Carrassi district: night life, street art and local activism
After a morning spent strolling through the history and culture of Bari, we definitely need to relax a bit… perhaps in the company of a good beer!
The Carrassi district, an aggregation center for students and locals, is a must-see to discover the city’s nightlife!
On via Buccari, a few steps from the historic Cinema Splendor, the Enoteca De Candia is the best place to enjoy an exciting dive into the past.
Inaugurated in 1924 by Giacomo De Candia, for 97 years the Enoteca has been handing down the tradition of the local wine trade from generation to generation. An excellent place to discover fine local wines, the Enoteca building hides in its foundations an anti-aircraft bunker from the Second World War: an unmissable piece of history, that you can get to know during our free Tour The Jungle!
For alternative evenings, on the other hand, a visit to the Ex Caserma Rossani cannot be missed. Squatted military barrack, place of activism and a virtuous example of biodiversity, in this space there is never a shortage of events and concerts, perfect for experiencing the underground culture of the younger generations.
Decorated with gaudy murals, the Caserma offers a taste of Bari street art that can be admired along the streets of Carrassi and the nearby San Pasquale district.
With our free tour The Jungle we offer everyone the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beating heart of the Bari youth scene, spending an evening of fun and friendship!
The Madonnella district
Monumental institutional buildings, nice pastel-colored houses with green shutters, small independent cinemas, luxurious condominiums and a historic bakery, all together in the liveliest and most multicultural district of Bari: Madonnella.
The marble votive icon dedicated to the Madonna, located in Piazza Francesco Carabellese, gives its name to the neighborhood which is the beating heart of the Bari soul. Combining the high with the low and the sophisticated with the popular, Madonnella offers an insight into the daily social life of Bari.
Built towards the 1920s, Madonnella is surrounded by fascist-style architecture: from the command of the Third Air Region to the headquarters of the Provincia, from the Palazzo della Regione to that of the National Institute of Social Security.
But it is enough to enter the alleys and internal streets of the neighborhood to find yourself in a completely different panorama, made up of family-run businesses such as the very famous Panificio Violante — its focaccia is not to be missed! — , art-house cinemas such as the Piccolo Cinema Esedra and the splendid Church of San Giuseppe on Corso Sonnino, in its style inspired by the Apulian Romanesque.
An absolutely must-see neighborhood if you want to fully experience the hospitality and irreverence typical of Bari!
Now that you know the real local places to see in Bari, all you have to do is come and discover them with us!