Barletta is part of a capoluogo (administrative district) together with the smaller cities of Andria, Trani, and Apulia.
Located in the south-eastern region of Italy, this commune sits directly on the coast facing the Adriatic Sea and the Gulf of Manfredonia. With a population of 94,000, it is one of the largest communes in the Barletta-Andria-Trani province and has an economy based on the production of concrete, and also agriculture. Surrounded by the sea on one side, the rest of Barletta is surrounded by vast expanses of farmland that spread throughout the countryside. In ancient times, Barletta was founded before the conquests of Rome and Greece and records its settlement dates from the 4th century BC.
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1. Castello Svevo di Barletta
This ancient castle is located in the center of Barletta and was originally built during the Norman conquests in Italy in the 11th century. Over the preceding years, the castle has taken many shapes and forms but has remained an important defensive structure throughout the city’s history.
This impressive castle is undoubtedly the most impressive structure in the city and is an absolute must-see! The structure features a symmetrical design with four identical diamond-shaped towers and the main entrance accessible only by an arched footbridge.
It is possible to make a castle tour and you can walk along the battlements and look out over the sea and into the city of Barletta. You can also walk through several of the castles interior rooms and underground passages.
2. Basilica del Santo Sepolcro
The Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre should not be confused with the same religious building in Jerusalem, but it does hold close ties with the Holy Land. Located on Corso Vittorio Emanuele, this church is Barletta's main religious structure and has some excellent architecture.
The exterior has a Gothic style that features a series of arches, and a small whitewashed bell tower. Inside the church, the walls have been left exposed and feature a myriad of stone arches that support the ceiling.
Although understated inside, the decoration is tasteful and the white stone walls and ceiling make the church extremely light and welcoming.
3. Teatro Curci
Italy has a lot of world-class theaters and operas and Teatro Curci is undoubtedly one of the best. This structure is located in the heart of the city center and is an important cultural building for the residents of Barletta.
Created in 1868, the theatre has a decadent front façade that looks more like a royal palace than a place of music and dramatics. Furthermore, the interior is truly amazing and has all the trappings of a typical 19th-century opera house.
The auditorium is full of red velvet, gold trimmings, and beautiful lighting. Four levels of private boxes run in a semi-circle and the domed ceiling is adorned with delightful artwork. The theatre runs a range of shows and a performance here is something not to be missed.
4. Colosso di Barletta
Legend has it that this immense bronze statue washed up on the shore of Barletta during the 13th century from a Venetian ship returning from the Fourth Crusade. Standing at 5.11 meters, this huge statue is approximately three times the size of a human and depicts an unknown Roman emperor.
Many scholars and historians have guessed at the identity of the statue and likely candidates include Theodosius, Honorius and Leo I the Thracian. Standing resolute outside the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, this statue has come to symbolize Barletta and is a treasured artifact.
5. Lungomare Pietro Mennea
Behind the Lido di, Barletta is the long stretch of promenade that provides a great venue to enjoy an evening stroll as the sunsets. If you so wish, you could start your walk on the Lungomare Turistico which is located on the right-hand side of the harbor.
From here, you can pass the impressive Castello Svevo and the small harbor and onto the Lungomare Pietro Mennea. At the start of this promenade on the left-hand side, a fairground is sometimes held that features typical carnival-style games and rides.
As you walk further, you can take in the fantastic sea views and enjoy the shade of the palm trees. Alternatively, you can opt to head into one of the beach bars and have a drink or a snack.
6. Lido di Barletta
Due to its coastal location, Barletta is privy to an amazing stretch of beach that is the perfect place to relax and sunbathe. The beach stretches from the left-hand side of the port and pier and continues for several kilometers until it eventually dissipates further up the coast.
On this beach, you can find a variety of different facilities including sun loungers and parasols. Moreover, there are a variety of different beach bars, each with its own private beach stretching out to the sea.
If you grow tired of the beach, you can always explore the harbor and watch the fishing and sailing boats going about their daily business.
7. Cattedrale di Santa Maria Maggiore
More commonly known as Barletta Cathedral, this religious structure is one of the most important in the city and is located to the east of the historic city center. The front façade has a large rose window and an ornate main door with a decorative pediment.
Next to the church is a large bell tower with three different levels of bronze bells. As the church was modified over time, it features both Romanesque and Gothic elements. Inside, the cathedral has a myriad of detailed medieval decoration including sculptures of monsters and animals.
8. Museo Civico e Pinacoteca
This fantastic museum is actually located within the confines of the Castello Svevo and holds some important relics and artifacts relating to the history of the region. Whilst taking a tour of the castle, you simply cannot pass up on a chance to explore this museum.
Inside this establishment, there are three different sections; the Ancient gallery, the 19th-century gallery and the Gallery of Ferdinand Cafiero. Each section contains different artifacts and artwork from its respective era, mainly from artists local to the region.
The final gallery contains a variety of objects including ceramics, terracotta, engravings, and manuscripts. For an interesting insight into the art and culture of this region, there is no better place to visit.
9. Visit the city of Andria
Andria is part of the same province as Barletta and has a myriad of historical and tourist attractions of its own. You can reach this charming commune in just 40 minutes from the coast.
As this city was actually the residence of Emperor Frederick II, Andria features a series of beautiful structures such as the Castel del Monte, the Ducal Palace, the Church of San Domenico and the ornate Porta Santa Andrea.
Moreover, the city has some beautiful Piazzas and some interesting twists and turns of old streets to explore. If you grow tired of the golden beaches of Barletta then consider a cultural trip to Andria!
10. Enjoy a fine Italian meal at the Al Vecchio Forno restaurant
The Al Vecchio Forno restaurant is a fine establishment and an evening here is guaranteed to be a memorable one! Located on the Via Cialdini, this restaurant has a fantastic atmosphere and extremely friendly staff.
What makes this facility unique is the fact that there is no set menu - you actually sit down at the table and the staff will give you a wide selection of different dishes to try. Depending on how much you can eat and how adventurous you are you can try over 15 different plates including a great variety of seafood, antipasto, and meat.
More ideals for you: Top 9 things to do in Varese, Italy
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