Difference between revisions of "Bari"
Revision as of 01:23, 17 January 2013Bari is the capital of the Apulia region of Italy. It's the mezzogiorno's (Italy's south) largest city after Naples, and a bustling commercial center and port.
UnderstandBari is the largest and most important city of Apulia (much larger than Lecce) and stands on the Adriatic coast. It's mainly famous for being one of the exit doors of Italy, where travellers leave on ferries for neighboring countries. The city authorities, however, have been trying to raise its tourism profile and awareness of Bari's old town, which has retained its ancient Medieval plan and contains many historic buildings and sites. The old town was the heart of pre-Roman and Roman Bari and it is now possible to find several hip bars and restaurants open "from dusk til dawn" in this once dark and unsafe zone. Get inBy planeThere are approximately 40 various cheap flights into Bari (BRI) from various European airports. Taxi to downtown costs €25-30, but there are buses connecting the airport to central Bari, including the train station. By trainCheck www.trenitalia.com for time tables and prices. Bari has two train train stations located next to each other. The commuter trains station serves points north, the main station long distance trains and local trains going south to Ostuni, Brindisi, and Lecce. By carYou can get to Bari by A14 highway, which runs from Bologna to Taranto following the Adriatic coast. By busYou can use Onbus Company to travel from Sicily to Puglia. Touring buses connect Germany to Puglia. By Ship
Bari is the destination for ferries incoming from the Greek port of Patra and Igoumenitsa. If you are traveling on a Eurorail during the low season, the cost is €16, during the mid season, €31. A normal ticket to Igoumenitsa is about €29 on the deck and in low - season. There are also ships to Bar and Kotor (Montenegro), Dubrovnik (Croatia) and to Durrës (Albania). Ferry operators are either Superfast Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, Azzurraline or Jadrolinija. An up-to-date site with international ferry schedules is here. Get around
There are many public buses. A ticket costs 1€ (1,50€ if bought on board). SeeThere a lot of places to see in Bari, especially in the ancient part of the city, called Bari Vecchia by locals. It's a beautiful mediaeval quarter in which there are a lot of important churches. The romanic Basilica of Saint Nicholas, for instance, has a gold ceiling and a crypt and contains many medieval attractions, including the magnificent cathedra of Bishop Elias (on the same square, also the Palazzo del Catapano and the Church of Saint Gregory are worth a visit). Even older (but later refurbished in baroque style) and equally interesting is the romanic Cathedral of Saint Sabino. It is highly suggested to take a walk along the waterfront, on the top of the old city walls, which passes by the Fortino of Saint Antony (an old fort recently turned into a modern art gallery) and the former Monastery of Saint Scolastica (currently belonging to the local University). The vast majority of the churches in Bari Vecchia are unfortunately closed to tourists. They are opened up on selected festivities, including Good Friday and the Solemnity of All Saints). There is a small town - 20 minutes outside of Bari named Adelfia. The patron saint of one of its quarters, Montrone is Saint Trifone. Nov 9 is the start of a three day celebration. On Nov 9 is the early evening a giant beautiful balloon is release which signifies the start of the festival. On the 10th, the statue of San Trifone is brought out of the church and paraded around the town. Bands from all over Italy come and perform on the outdoor stage. Fireworks are displayed throughout the evening into the early morning. The different men's club compete on which club can have the biggest, loudest and spectacular display. Vendors surround the town with goods, food and gifts. Often there are over 200 parked buses from all over southern Italy. It really is a popular celebration. DoThe Saint of the city is Saint Nicholas. He is celebrated by the Catholic Church on December 6. In Bari, several masses take place early in the morning (as early as 4am) of December 6. A huge crowd and lots of fast food stands fill the old town through the night. The city's main celebration of Saint Nicholas, however, takes place on May 6-8 with historical reconstructions, popular music and a two-day fireworks contest. For this event many pilgrims come from all over the world. LearnWorkBuyPottery, bags, shoes, interesting (and underpriced) red wines. Cartoleria Favia Piazza Umberto I n2 +390805235941 wwwcartoleriafavia.it--> Fashion stationery (Mont Blanc, Parker, Aurora), bags, train/aero/car models. Eat
Most restaurants are located in the eastern part of central Bari, around the intersection of Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and Corso Cavour. DrinkSleepBari suffers from not having a good selection cheap accommodation. A few more affordable hostels in the area would allow more visitors to stay and enjoy this attractive city. Regardless, the budget options available all seem clean and modern if not a little overpriced to the rest of Italy.
BudgetIf you are in Bari and looking for some cheap place to sleep (less than €25/night/person) it can be quite a problem.
Mid-rangeHotel Boston (Via Piccinni, 155). One block from Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, and ten minutes walk to Old Town. Rooms are spacious but fairly basic. Generous breakfast. There is a small supermarket across the street. €90 for a double. Splurge
ContactStay safeBari Vecchia is a beautiful quarter but because of the narrow, crowded streets and the presence of tourists, it is the preferred place for local pickpocketers. CopeGet outNice towns to discover around Bari are Matera, Gravina, Martina Franca and Alberobello. Trani (with a truly impressive Cathedral), Molfetta, Giovinazzo and Polignano a Mare are closer to Bari and also worth a visit. There are many direct trains a day. Ticket to Matera or Alberobello is about €4 in one direction.
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