Tag Archives: Bari

Bari, Puglia – Italy

Europe,

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Bari is the second most important economic centre of mainland Southern Italy after Naples and best known as a port and university city. It has a population of about 326,799 as of 2015.

I needn’t have been worried about Bari too much years ago,  it’s quite a cosmopolitan metropolis – so much to offer in terms of an endearing culture and interesting places to seek out.

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With the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the Cathedral of San Sabino (1035–1171) being one of the main attractions; its architecture and central location make it one of the most popular.

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Even a visit to the cathedral doesn’t escape life’s everyday technology. Maybe one day they’ll have a App for Confession? That’ll save the ceiling from falling down on a few …

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Pope John Paul II – never to be forgotten and a lovely reminder of a great man.

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The Swabian Castle or Castello Svevo also known as Norman-Hohenstaufen Castle was built for Frederick II, is now within a major nightlife district and serves as a gallery for a variety of temporary exhibitions in the city.

20151122_133058To the south is the Murat quarter (erected by Joachim Murat), the modern heart of the city, which is laid out on a rectangular-grid plan with a promenade on the sea and the major shopping district (the via Sparano and via Argiro).

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Harbour is very calm and a plethora of fishing charters are on offer.

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Plenty of artistic works on display and fabulous shopping along the boulevard, especially duty free considering it’s a major sea port.

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Street art on building work sites is always acceptable.

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Cafes are full of coffee lovers and enthusiasts. Personally, I think Aussies are the best at making a fantastic flat white, but the Italians still have the upper hand for an exceptional espresso.

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Everywhere you go, there’s wonderful photographic opportunities.

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No shortage of attractions to keep you busy.

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Government buildings are well kept in the era they were constructed.

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No other country on the planet can build motor cycles like the Italians … All I want for Christmas is a Vespa!

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Yeah, wish it were me on the back of the motor bike! Vroom …

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A couple of days is not quite enough, my advice to anyone is to spend somewhat longer in Puglia as there’s so much to offer in terms of food and culture.

Back on the train and heading across Italy now for a one-night stay in Napoli before heading south again and onwards to Sicily by rail.

Bologna to Bari in Puglia, Italy

Europe,

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You can now arrive at Bologna Central Station, thanks to high speed trains in half an hour from Florence, an hour from Milan, or an hour and a half from Venice. Why fly when in 2 ½ hours from Rome and you can arrive hassle free at the Terminus with excellent connections by bus as well. And now where I’m heading to, in just 5 hours and 45 minutes it’s Bari in the south of Italy.

As well here in Bologna, the Metropolitan Railway System is also connected to almost all the cities and provinces of Emilia Romagna.

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Trenitalia’s high-speed trains are called Alta Velocità (AV) and are broken down into three categories: Frecciarossa (“Red Arrow”), Frecciargente (“Silver Arrow”) and Frecciabianca (“White Arrow”). Frecciarossa trains are the fastest of these, reaching speeds of up to 190 MPH (300 km/h).

Italo’s high-speed trains are even faster, operating at speeds up to 220 MPH (360 km/h) and the network, which operates on a different set of rail lines, connects Turin, Milan, Venice, Padua, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Naples and Salerno. These routes make it possible to consider day trips from Milan to Rome or Rome to Naples despite the great distances. Italy’s high-speed trains help evoke the 19th century romance of rail travel, albeit at 21st-century speeds.

The AV train network connects Turin, Milan, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Naples and Salerno.

http://www.raileurope.com.au and http://www.railplus.com.au are two sites valuable for Australian travellers.

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Not too far out from Bologna, the scenery changes to the eastern coastline’s tributaries and extensive beach areas.

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Surprise! More vineyards along the way …

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Swimming areas are normally filled with tourists during the summer months, but now in November it’s changing and the weather’s just a little more inclement.

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Red wine has come from Puglia in profuse quantities and garnered the region a reputation for being a terrific source of “plonk” for a long time.

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Just on the outskirts and pondering what’s ahead.

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Years ago, Bari had me worried as it’s reputation may have been a bit tarnished, being a major thoroughfare with shipping and passengers arriving from many other parts of Europe, I was told it wasn’t a place a backpacker should spend too much time. Bit older and wiser now, I thought I’d give it a chance considering I’m travelling a little more gracefully …

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The metro system looks quite straight forward …

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The capital of Apulia and is now considered an important touristic destination within Puglia, Bari lies on a fertile coastal plain facing the Adriatic Sea and I’m keen to see more of it.