Bari

Bari is a city and major port in southern Italy, serving as the capital of the Metropolitan City of Bari in the Apulia region. It lies on the Adriatic coast, roughly midway along Italy’s eastern shoreline. The city proper has about 320,000 residents, while the wider metropolitan area is home to well over a million people.

Historically, Bari has roots in ancient times and developed as an important Adriatic port through the Roman and Byzantine periods. In the Middle Ages it grew as a commercial hub, connected with routes across the eastern Mediterranean. The old town, known as Bari Vecchia, preserves narrow lanes and historic churches, including the Basilica di San Nicola, which houses relics of Saint Nicholas, and the Cattedrale di San Sabino. The Castello Svevo (Swabian Castle) stands as a testament to the city’s medieval strategic importance. Bari’s port and shipbuilding have long been central to its economy and identity.

In modern times Bari combines a historic core with a functioning port, an international airport, and a prominent university town. The port handles freight traffic and ferries to the Balkans and other Adriatic destinations, while Bari International Airport Karol Wojtyla serves domestic and international routes. The University of Bari Aldo Moro, founded in 1925, is a major center for higher education and research in southern Italy.

Cultural life centers on regional traditions and events such as the Fiera del Levante, a long-running trade fair. Local cuisine features dishes such as focaccia barese and orecchiette, often accompanied by burrata cheese. The city also offers a coastal promenade and architecture reflecting a mix of Romanesque, Norman, and Byzantine influences.