Our last destination in the Puglia region was the city of Bari. Bari is a little less than an hour away from Alberobello by car, which is really the best way to travel in this section of Italy. Even though we had a bit of a problem getting started (the first driver who was assigned to pick us up had a flat tire, and could not get to us, and so, another driver had to be dispatched, from another city), when we finally hit the road, the trip was quick and pleasant, and we arrived in Bari only a few minutes later than we had initially thought. Once again, we had rented an apartment for the duration of our stay there. It was perfectly located, on Corso Cavour, one of the main shopping streets of the city.
As we usually do, we got settled in, and then, after a bit, headed out to explore our surroundings. This was not my first time in Bari. I had been there three times before, but that still did not mean that I was any less excited to get out and discover new things! Bari is a fascinating city, and deserves to be discovered slowly, letting all of its layers peel away, one at a time. There are two distinct areas of Bari: Bari Vecchia, or Old Bari, and the more modern part of the city, which is where our apartment was located. Unlike many Italian cities, Bari is basically flat, and so, it is very easy to walk.
The Chiesa Cristiana Evangelica Battista is on Corso Sidney Sonnino, #25.
The Istituto Comprensivo Balilla-Imbriani is on Largo Caraballese, in the area known as Madonnella di Bari, which takes its name from an image of the Virgin and Child, in a shrine on the piazza. The image of the Virgin we see today is not the original, but a copy that was placed in the piazza in 1956.
The Caserma Picca, today home of the Comando Militare Esercito Puglia, can be found at Duca degli Abruzzi, #4, in Piazza Luigi di Savoia. This has been a military base since 1880, but was closed for many years. A plaque on the facade pays tribute to General Armando Diaz, and his defeat of the enemy during World War I. The building also holds an important military library.
In front of the Caserma, in a small park area, stands a monument to Nicola Balenzano, an Italian politician from Bari.
Next to the Caserma is the Chiesa e Convento San Antonio da Padova dei Frati Minori. Dating from 1622, the church was originally dedicated to San Bernardino da Siena. It was damaged during an earthquake in 1831, and finally collapsed on the evening of December 5th, 1834. It was rebuilt in 1836, and at that time, it was dedicated to San Antonio da Padova.
Next up: We explore more of Bari, including a trip to Bari Vecchia!
Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations that may appear. If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Bari, as well as other Italian destinations. Grazie!