You can’t miss the Bailica of San Nicola

The Basilica of San Nicola is the symbol of Bari and was consecrated in 1197.  This is the greatest example of the Apulian Romanesque,with its imposing facade in white calcareous stone flanked by two emense towers. It was erected in the 11th century in the area of the Byzantine Court of Catapano,to accomodate the remains of the saint stolen by the Barese sailors from Myra in 1087, an event that become a destination of many pilgrimages.

Inside the structure are 2 masterpieces of the medieval sculpture : the ciborium and the Cattedra di Elia. There is also,in the central apse,the mausoleumof the great Polish Queen Bona Sforza who died in Bari in 1557.  The Basilica of San Nicola is surely the main attraction of the city.It’s also interesting to visit the near museum with the treasure of San Nicola.

Bari Restuarants - An absolute treasure

Well summer is finally here so I thought I would treat my girlfriend to an extra special evening.  We headed about 25km outside Bari to have dinner a terrace inside the most famous cave created by the sea in Polignano a Mare.  The food was to die for, the service was exceptional and I can honestly say it was one of the most romantic settings in Italy.  Yes it does come at a cost but what doesn’t these days?

Good news - troops are on the street!

It is not often that you would celebrate soldiers being sent onto the streets but in the case of Bari and 9 other cities - it is!  Prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, has started a massive crack down on crime. The troops  will patrol alongside state police as well as carabinieri paramilitary police.    This is in response to a huge up surge in car and street crime.   Over 2000 troops, some of which have been in Bosnia, will patrol the streets Rome, Milan, Naples, Bari, Florence, Genoa, Bologna, Turin, Palermo and Venice.    It is thought that the initiative will start within two week and last anywhere up to six months.  Defence minister Ignazio La Russa said: ‘If it was possible to recruit and train 2,500 police officers immediately than I would be delighted not to use troops in the cities.’

Bari Restaurant Review - La Cecchina

We like to get out and about in Bari to bring you the very best (and worst) reviews of what there is to do, eat or where sleep.   Yesterday we went for a leisurely lunch at La Cecchina.   We always avoid those restaurants that have blackboards outside offering “Pasta and Pizza for 8 Euros” – as they are the equivalent of “full English breakfasts” in Malaga.  

 

We had a great seat by the window where we could observe local life going by.  Opposite us was the Bari water fountain which was like a bee hive – with everyone from beautiful women to priest buzzing in to quench their thirst.  Eventually we settled for a lovely bottle of local wine recommended by the waiter, a basket of fresh bread (all made on the premises), antipasto and mussels and clams, sautéed in garlic and chili.  

 

The antipasto had a sumptuous array of cured meats of which the salami was to die for.   The clams arrived soon after and although very tasty, they were a little over cooked.   An excellent cheese board soon made up for this however.  The next 40 minutes were taken up with an espresso, followed by a grapa before heading back to the office to do the next day’s car hires. 

 

Overall we would rate the La Cecchina a strong 7.5 out of 10.  So if you do have a spare couple of hours to while away in Bari, then you could do a lot worse than visit here. 

Bari - where should we go?

We are in Bari – now where are the best places to see, eat and make merry?   You have asked so we will cover off great place in Bari in the forthcoming weeks.   It makes sense to start with Bari’s massive castle.   Why?  We you can’t miss it for starters.    The Norman built Swabian Castle lies just on the outskirts of the old city.    It’s a great place to spend a few hours and at 3 Euros entry fee it is a steal.   The castle was built by Fredrick II of Swabia in the beginning of the 13th Century – initially as a fortification but has changed purpose several times since.    

We highly recommend taking the time to explore the interior to it is stunning.    At Bari airport hire we welcome people sending their photos and adding their comments on their experience of the castle in Bari.   Next time we will recommend the best places to eat in Bari.

Is it really called Bari airport?

We get a lot of emails regarding confusion about the name of Bari airport.   To put the record straight we thought we would shed some light on it.  To give Bari airport its proper title – it is called Bari “Karol Wojtyla” International Airport.   Try and say that after a few glasses of wine!  That is why most people refer to it simply as Bari Airport.    For those who are fluent in Italian then it is Aeroporto di Bari.   

Another frequently asked question is about Bari airports facilities.   The airport itself was upgraded in 2006 when it opened its brand new passenger terminal as well as a new car park and control tower.   You can expect to find basic facilities like cash machines, a nice little café / restaurant and car hire facilities.   In fact if you decide to hire a car from us then you will no doubt pick it up from that brand new car park outside.  

If anyone else wants to know anymore information about Bari airport or the surrounding areas then just let us know.  We will do our utmost to help you

Is Puglia the new Tuscany?

Is Puglia the new Tuscany?  We have heard quite a few people say that Puglia is now.   So where are the comparisons?  The slender, lush heel of Italy’s boot is now firmly entrenched as a holiday destination in its own right.   When most people land at the airport, jump in their car and head straight for the multitude of long stretches of gorgeous beaches – some are starting to discover the joys of Bari.   With its own airport, it offers a sumptuous blend of mixture of cultures, Arabic, Roman and Norman.  Nowhere are these cultures more prevalent in Bari than in the old town.   Bari’s old town is heaving with superb bars, sea food restaurants and antique shops.   If you are planning on exploring the Mezzogiorno area then Bari is an ideal base.   Simply hire a car and enjoy the delights of Southern Italy.