Bari
(2005 population 328,458) is the capital city of the province of Bari and the
Apulia region, and is located on the magnificent Adriatic Sea. As a strong
economic center of mainland Southern Italy, it is well known as a port and
university city. Founded by Greeks, Bari was of little importance to the Roman
Empire until the 2nd century BC when it became a junction point between a
coastal road and Via Traiana; a branch road to Tarentum. Likely a principal
harbor in ancient times, it is mentioned in documents as early as 181 BC. After
a few significant battles, it was finally claimed as a province of Rome in
1025.
Bari today is described as modern
industrial city, but within its region lies some of Italy's most exciting and
undiscovered areas. For history seekers, visit the old town to the North, built
on the peninsula between two impressive harbors. Amidst the Basilica of
Saint Nicholas, the Cathedral of San Sabino and the Castello
Svevo of Frederick II, the old town has become one of the major nightlife
districts. Shop and relieve some stress with a little "retail therapy" by
visiting the Murrattiano section (fit with a promenade on the sea) to the south
of Bari. A city with strong traditions to
Saint Nicholas, one must investigate the Basilica of Saint Nicholas
in all its splendor.
Seemingly more of a castle than a church, it was founded in 1087 to receive the
relics of this saint, which were buried in a crypt beneath the main altar. Walk
the halls to explore the many Romanesque sculptures, and the precious mosaics in
the pavement of the crypt and presbytery. The feast day of this particular
Saint is December 6th, and on this day it is traditional for the clergy to lower
a flask into the tomb of Saint Nicholas, extracting myrrh that is believed to
exude from his relics. This myrrh is sent to believers all over the world, and
many have reported miraculous events as a result of its use. |
