The land of Bari is a sub-region of Apulia that, in its territorial variety, has one constant element: a very rich heritage of history and traditions. The vast territory embraces seascapes, inland villages, green flat expanses and rolling hills. We are in the heart of Apulia, where the present is intertwined with an ancient past, inextricably linked to the figure of Frederick II, who left his magnificent traces in this land, which still today blend in perfect harmony with the places where they can be admired.
Commonly, 'Terra di Bari' refers to a sub-region of Apulia between the Murge and bordered to the north by the Ofanto River and to the east by the Adriatic Sea. The name of this land is inextricably linked to Frederick II, who used it to designate the corresponding administrative district, which was, however, larger at the time. The land is predominantly flat and, apart from a few gentle, low hills, the green expanses are characterised by the construction of typical dry stone walls separating the different plots of land. The municipalities included in this geographical area are all located in the province of Bari and appear both as towns or villages overlooking the sea such as Barletta, Trani, Bisceglie, Molfetta, Giovinazzo, Mola di Bari, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Bari as well as inland towns characterised by an ancient and rural charm such as Sannicandro di Altamura, Andria, Acquaviva delle fonti, Bitonto, Bitritto, Capurso, Rutigliano, Noicattaro, Modugno, Terlizzi, Triggiano and Valenzano. In the Land of Bari, the karstic nature of the territory allows rainwater to penetrate the subsoil, to the point of generating the lame (i.e. streams dug into the rock), some of which reach the karstic caves, including those of Castellana, which represent one of the most famous and evocative examples in Italy and are definitely worth a visit.
The Land of Bari offers the traveller a wealth of experiences to enjoy. Every town included in this territory is different and between nature, history, dream beaches and small villages to visit, each one can satisfy the most diverse travel needs. Bari, the province that encompasses all the municipalities in this area, is famous for its historical centre and the Cathedral and Church of San Nicola, which offer a beautiful example of Apulian Romanesque style. The entire city is, in fact, enriched by impressive and famous architectural works and its seafront promenade allows for romantic and relaxing walks. Not far from Bari is Andria, with its majestic Castel del Monte, commissioned by Frederick II and full of charm and mystery due to its complex symbolism. Archaeology and history lovers will find a true paradise in Canosa: ancient churches, Roman remains, hypogea and millenary necropolises envelop the traveller and transport him to a distant past to be rediscovered. Among the most famous municipalities in the Land of Bari, we then find Polignano a Mare, a poetic village overlooking the sea that gave birth to Domenico Modugno (of whom there is a striking bronze statue, located on the seafront) and Trani, another seaside village, considered the 'Pearl of the Adriatic', with its characteristic historical centre and its cathedral that rises close to the sea, creating a spectacle of rare wonder. But the Land of Bari is also a rural place, deeply tied to the land: these values can be encountered by visiting the Alta Murgia National Park, oriented towards a conscious and quality tourism, and in the many ancient masserie scattered throughout the territory, which we recommend visiting, coming into full contact with this magical place.
The Land of Bari offers many typical dishes that alternate between land and sea flavours and in which the ancient gastronomic traditions and Mediterranean flavours of the past are still preserved. Like the entire Apulian territory, one of the typical products is olive oil, which is much more than a simple condiment, but a real extra touch that, raw, on soups and bruschetta, infuses an unmistakable taste and aroma. Taralli are also a must and you can find different types: with fennel, chilli, onions... We recommend you try them all! Homemade pasta, such as lagane and the ever-present orecchiette, is perfect with meat sauces or with turnip greens (in the case of orecchiette). If you love meat, you won't be able to say no to bombette: veal roulades stuffed with caciocavallo cheese and bacon or roasted lamb entrails (i gnummareddi), while the flavours of the earth are the protagonists in the cream of broad beans with chicory, even better when enjoyed with a good local red wine. But the Terra di Bari is also sea, an element that triumphs on the tables of the villages along the coast: fish dishes are a guarantee, among which do not miss the linguine with sea urchins or the raw fish, which, with their flavour at once delicate but decisive, are a true gastronomic excellence. For dessert, on the other hand, especially if you are travelling during the Christmas period, do not miss the cartellate: a ribbon of fried dough made with cooked wine and cinnamon, in the shape of a rose, sprinkled with honey and icing sugar.
There are countless events to take part in in the Land of Bari. Between festivals, patron saint festivals and themed events, the agenda is always full of appointments! Here are some of the most famous ones: starting from Bari, we cannot fail to mention the Feast of the Patron Saint, St Nicholas, which falls in May and sees the participation of many pilgrims who join in the local folklore, made up of processions, parades, flag-wavers and solemn music. In June, on the other hand, Polignano a Mare hosts the feast of San Vito, which begins with an evocative procession with the statue of the saint, which departs from the wharf and unfolds through the streets of the village. In Mola di Bari, in July, the octopus festival is a much-awaited event in which to taste this food prepared in various ways, as well as many traditional dishes. In Acquaviva delle Fonti, on the other hand, in October there is the Sagra del Calzone dedicated to the typical Bari calzone, stuffed with onions: a delicacy not to be missed! In February, Putignano hosts one of the oldest carnivals in Europe, a festive occasion in a cheerful and colourful atmosphere, with parades and floats. The events continue and unfold throughout the year! To make sure you don't miss a single one during your trip, we recommend you consult the local agendas and prepare to discover them all.
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