2-Hour Bari City Tour – Apulia, Italy

EXPERIENCE:

Enjoy a guided tour of Bari, the capital of Puglia famous all over the world for the preserved remains of Saint Nicholas of Myra, venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. Bari is even well known outside the Christian world because his figure has given rise to the myth of Santa Claus, known in Italy as Babbo Natale.

On this tour you will visit the Basilica di San Nicola, a 12th century church built to preserve the relics of Saint Nicholas of Myra. It is considered, like the Cathedral of Trani, as one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture. Here you can explore the crypt with the remains of the holy dedicated to Orthodox worship.

You will also visit Bari Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Sabinus, a bishop of Canosa. It is a great example of Apulian Romanesque architecture and you also have the chance to visit the Baroque crypt. Continuing on the tour, you will see Norman-Swabian Castle, a 12th century fortress built by Roger the Norman and rebuilt by Frederick II of Swabia after its partial destruction by William I of Sicily. Here you can explore the gallery of plaster casts.

On this tour you will also see the Column of Justice in the Piazza Mercantile, a white marble column with a stone lion which stands crouched behind the door on the chest with the inscription “Guardian of Justice”. It has been said that insolvent debtors were tied to this column. You will also walk past the old Aragonese walls and through the historic center, and have free time to visit shops and buy local products.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Visit the Basilica di San Nicola, built to preserve the relics of Saint Nicolas of Myra
Visit Bari Cathedral and Norman-Swabian Castle
See the Column of Justice in the Piazza Mercantile
Admire the Apulian Romanesque architecture at the churches and medieval castle
Walk down the charming alleyways of the historic Old Bari

Discover top places to stay, exciting tours, and unforgettable events in Italy, and popular cities like Amalfi, Florence, Milan, Naples, Pompei, and Rome.