In recent years, Puglia, the heel of Italy, has started to emerge as a popular destination, with Bari as its capital. Despite suffering significant damage during World War II, Bari has retained a maze of medieval streets and narrow lanes, which will be the starting point of your tour. As an important maritime hub, Bari has preserved its medieval walls that overlook the Adriatic Sea, offering a pleasant walk along them before visiting the Basilica di San Nicola. This fine Romanesque church, with its magnificent twin towers, is considered the model for many other cathedrals in the region. Continue through more narrow lanes and reach Bari Cathedral, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, though it dates back to the 12th century. Nearby stands the imposing castle, begun by Roger II and completed by Frederick II in 1233, which occupies the site of a former Roman fort. The tour concludes in Piazza Mercantile and Piazza Ferrarese, the commercial heart of Old Bari.
