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Historic neighborhood · Bari, Apúlia
Bari Vecchia
Bari's old town occupies a small peninsula between the old port and the new port, surrounded by the ancient wall. Medieval lanes, squares, dozens of churches and the neighborhood life of its residents.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Bari Vecchia
Bari Vecchia, officially the San Nicola neighbourhood, is the medieval core of the city. It occupies the peninsula between the two ports, is closed to the east by the wall on the sea and separated from the new town by Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Its layout is a maze of narrow alleys, arches and small courtyards where residents live as they always have.
Besides the Basilica di San Nicola and the Cattedrale di San Sabino, the quarter has dozens of smaller churches, such as San Gregorio, San Marco dei Veneziani and Santa Scolastica. The Piazza Mercantile, the old commercial centre, has the Colonna Infame, where debtors were exhibited; next to it is the Piazza del Ferrarese, open to the sea.
From the Piazza del Ferrarese, a ramp leads to the Fortino di Sant'Antonio Abate and the promenade along the Muraglia, the wall that follows the sea to the Santa Scolastica complex. In the streets near the castle, such as Strada Arco Basso, women often make orecchiette by hand in front of their houses.
At night the squares fill with people, and bars and trattorie serve local dishes like orecchiette with cime di rapa (turnip greens), fried panzerotti and focaccia barese with tomato.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours to walk at a leisurely pace, visiting the main churches.
Best time
In the morning, to see the street activity and the preparation of the pasta, and in the late afternoon and evening, when the squares become lively. In summer, avoid the hottest hours around midday.
How to get there
From Bari Centrale station, walk along Via Sparano to Corso Vittorio Emanuele, about 15 minutes. The old town is pedestrianised; if you come by car you should leave it outside the ZTL, the limited traffic zone.
Tip
The alleys intersect and it's easy to get lost, which is part of the experience: use the two basilicas and the castle as landmarks. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, such as during festivals. Many small churches only open at Mass times.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Bari Vecchia
What not to miss in Bari Vecchia?
The Basilica di San Nicola, the Cattedrale di San Sabino, the Castello Normanno-Svevo, the Piazza Mercantile with the Colonna Infame, the Piazza del Ferrarese and the promenade along the Muraglia.
Where can you see women making orecchiette?
In the alleys between the castle and the cathedral, especially on the Strada Arco Basso, where residents often prepare the dough by hand at their front doors, mainly in the morning.
Is Bari Vecchia a good place to stay?
It's an option for those who want to be close to the churches and the nightlife of the squares. The alleys have no car access and some accommodations have stairs; the quartiere Murat, next door, is more practical for those arriving by train.
What to eat in the old town?
Orecchiette with cime di rapa, focaccia barese with tomato and olive, fried panzerotti, and raw fish, served in some places near the port.