Overview
Bari Vecchia is a magical and fascinating place, where history and tradition merge and create an incredibly charming atmosphere. It is the old part of Bari,the San Nicola district, located within the ancient walls and on the peninsula enclosed between the city's two ports. It has has this name since the 19th century, to distinguish it from the new city, built in 1813 under Joachim Murat.
Bari Vecchia boasts a Byzantine-era urban layout, with buildings from various eras, ranging from the 11th to the 17th century, with a few exceptions. Here, among the alleyways and monuments, you can find 40 large and small churches, and 120 votive shrines. A must-see is the Basilica of San Nicola, which houses the relics of the city's patron saint, and the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Sabino, a wonderful example of Romanesque-Pugliese from the Byzantine era.
Not far away, in what was the old Jewish quarter, you can visit two historic synagogues that testify to the presence of the ancient Jewish community in Bari.
In the historic centre, you'll find many monuments, first and foremost the famous Norman-Swabian Castle, with its main core built by Frederick II of Swabia on previous Byzantine fortifications. The remains of the columns of Santa Maria del Buon Consiglio are also of interest.
Bari Vecchia was completely redeveloped in 2005 and is now the throbbing heart of Bari's nightlife scene.
Bari Vecchia, Bari BA, Italia
