In Piazza Umberto I, you will find the Monumento a Umberto I, an equestrian statue and monument dedicated to the second king of Italy, Umberto I, who was assassinated in Monza in 1900.  The monument dates from 1903, and is by the artist Filippo Cifariello.

Palazzo Mincuzzi can be found at Via Sparano da Bari, #98.  The palazzo dates from 1926.  Originally built as home to the Mincuzzi Department Store, today, it houses a branch of the Benetton store chain.

Also on Via Sparano da Bari is the Chiesa di San Ferdinando.  The church is a relatively modern one, dating from 1932, and was designed by the architect Saverio Dioguardi.

My favorite neighborhood in Bari would have to be Bari Vecchia, or the Old Town.  It is a fascinating section of the city, full of history, and things to see.  It is circular in shape, and three sides of it are bordered by water.  So, no matter how confused you get while wandering inside its maze of streets, you will always be able to find your way, in the end.

The Arciconfraternita Maria SS del Rosario is at Strada Palazzo dell’Intendenza, # 77.  The church dates from the 13th century, but was remodeled in the 19th century, so that what we see today resembles a more modern structure.

On nearby Via Arco Basso, most days of the week, you will find local women sitting in the doorways, or open windows of their homes, with tables of homemade pasta (usually the ear-shaped pasta “orecchiette”), in front of them, which they sell at very reasonable prices.  If you are staying in an apartment, I highly recommend buying a bag, and cooking yourself a wonderful dinner.  Chances are that you will be able to see them shaping the dough into the orecchiette, if you arrive in the morning hours.  Many of the local restaurants and cafés buy the pasta from these women, as it is made fresh each day, and once you taste it, you will want to get another bag to stash in your suitcase, and take home with you!

 

Next up: More from Bari, including a visit to the Basilica di San Nicola, and the Museo Civico!

 

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!