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Italy
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Apulia
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Metropolitan City of Bari
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Bari
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Tours & Activities
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Private Tour: Bari City Sightseeing Including Basilica di San Nicola and Castello Normanno-Svevo
3 h
Private
About this activity
Meet at Piazza Ferrarese at a prearranged time for your 4-hour private walking tour of Bari. As you set off with your guide, chat about the places on your tour’s itinerary. If you would like to learn about one sight more than another, simply let your guide know. The beauty of having a private guide is that the commentary can be tailored to your interests.
Your first stop is Piazza Mercantile to find the town hall, which dates back to the 15th century, and then on to the Colonna della Giustizia, where debtors were tortured during the Renaissance period. Cross Piazza Chiurlia to Arc Vasc, one of Bari’s most picturesque side streets, where you can see women preparing typical Puglian pasta, known as orecchiette.
Continue to Castello Normanno-Svevo (Swabian Castle), Bari's stunning centerpiece. Sitting on the ruins of an ancient Byzantine church, this castle was built by a Norman king in the 1100s, and has been transformed numerous times; having been restored by the Roman Emperor Frederick II to his own tastes, the castle was later converted to a princes' manor in the 16th century. In one room, you can see replicas of Puglia’s most famous monuments.
Leaving the castle behind, head to Bari Cathedral, a site that dominates the entrance to Bari Old Town. This church is dedicated to St Sabinus, a bishop of Canosa. Learn about its austere Romanesque-style facade that contrasts with its Baroque portal, and enter to walk through the three naves and the marble crypt.
Nearby, visit the Basilica di San Nicola (Basilica of St Nicholas), a place of worship that's similar to Bari Cathedral in its Romanesque architecture but holds more religious significance. Founded in the 11th century to receive relics of the patron saint of Bari, the basilica is a pilgrimage site both for Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians from Eastern Europe. Enter to see one of the most noteworthy Romanesque sculptural works of southern Italy, the cathedra (bishops' throne).
After visiting these churches, walk back to Piazza Ferrarese and bid your guide farewell to end your tour.
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Your first stop is Piazza Mercantile to find the town hall, which dates back to the 15th century, and then on to the Colonna della Giustizia, where debtors were tortured during the Renaissance period. Cross Piazza Chiurlia to Arc Vasc, one of Bari’s most picturesque side streets, where you can see women preparing typical Puglian pasta, known as orecchiette.
Continue to Castello Normanno-Svevo (Swabian Castle), Bari's stunning centerpiece. Sitting on the ruins of an ancient Byzantine church, this castle was built by a Norman king in the 1100s, and has been transformed numerous times; having been restored by the Roman Emperor Frederick II to his own tastes, the castle was later converted to a princes' manor in the 16th century. In one room, you can see replicas of Puglia’s most famous monuments.
Leaving the castle behind, head to Bari Cathedral, a site that dominates the entrance to Bari Old Town. This church is dedicated to St Sabinus, a bishop of Canosa. Learn about its austere Romanesque-style facade that contrasts with its Baroque portal, and enter to walk through the three naves and the marble crypt.
Nearby, visit the Basilica di San Nicola (Basilica of St Nicholas), a place of worship that's similar to Bari Cathedral in its Romanesque architecture but holds more religious significance. Founded in the 11th century to receive relics of the patron saint of Bari, the basilica is a pilgrimage site both for Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians from Eastern Europe. Enter to see one of the most noteworthy Romanesque sculptural works of southern Italy, the cathedra (bishops' throne).
After visiting these churches, walk back to Piazza Ferrarese and bid your guide farewell to end your tour.
Included
- Professional guide
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
Additional
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
85%
