Imagine waking up in Bari
Known as the “California of the South” for its growth and leadership, Bari is the second largest city in southern Italy. Located on the Adriatic Sea in the region of Puglia, it has historically been famous for its ports and universities. In recent years, though, Bari has risen to prominence as one of Italy’s commercial and industrial leaders. Today, it sustains a reputation as a culturally rich, exciting metropolis, with a population of approximately 1.2 million, a long history, and an unusually high quality of life.  Bari has long been off the beaten path for tourists, but given its new accessibility thanks to Eurofly, it won’t be long till the cat’s out of the bag.
 

Climate
Summers in Bari are generally hot and dry, and winters are quite mild. Puglia in general receives the least precipitation of any region in Italy, and in Bari, it rarely rains except in winter.

Sights
Bari has much to offer tourists, from ancient and medieval sightseeing to modern attractions.  The Apulian-Romanesque style of architecture, dating back to the year 1034, can be seen in churches such as the Basilica of San Nicola and the Cathedral of San Sabino. The University of Bari Palace, which includes the noted Archaeological Museum, is another important site worth visiting; the museum features relics of the Neolithic and Bronze Age, funeral urns, and ceramics and bronze from the necropolis.

For more modern entertainment, there is the Barivecchia, or Old Town, section of the city, home to the Piazza Mercantile and Piazza Ferrarese, both buzzing with laughter, conversation, toasts, and the clatter of silverware. The layout of Old Town is largely unchanged since it was constructed during the Middle Ages, and the area is rich in historic sites to marvel at. During the Roman and Pre-Roman ages, Old Town was the heart of Bari.  Today, it’s the scene for the city’s hippest bars and restaurants.

Sports nuts might be interested in going to the nearby Stadio San Nicola, home of the city’s local soccer team, the A.S. Bari, as well as the 1990 FIFA World Cup.

Adventurers will want to check out Mola di Bari, a coastal town about 14 miles south, famous for its focaccia and fresh fish. Around thirty miles south of Bari is the town of Alberobello, famous for the unusual trulli construction of the buildings in its historic center. The origin of these whitewashed stone teepees is unknown, but the generally accepted legend is that they were constructed during the Middle Ages by peasants hoping to evade taxes; the simple structures could be easily dismantled and hidden from sight! They are now the architectural stamp of Puglia, however, and in Alberobello sit among olive and almond trees without the threat of going anywhere.
 

Happenings
September visitors will be able to take advantage of the Fiera del Levante, the largest trade fair in the Adriatic region.  Held near the city center, the fair focuses on agriculture and industry and features exhibitors from all over Italy and the Mediterranean.

Shopping
Bari is also home to great shopping.  The city center, called the Murattiano, features an enchanting seaside promenade as well as Bari’s two major shopping districts, Via Sparano and Via Argiro.

Food
The city offers a toothsome selection of local and traditional fare that you’ll want to try for yourself—local favorites like the orecchiette pasta with turnip tops; oven-baked red and yellow peppers stuffed with meat or rice; and olives known as “Cerignola Beauties.” Regional seafood favorites include bass, clams, cuttlefish, mussels, oysters, cod, prawns, sea bream, lobster, anchovies and sole.  Bari also abounds with pizzerias serving up all manner of pies and slices. You may have trouble picking, but you won’t go to bed hungry in Bari!