There’s no escaping the wonderments of Bari.
The place has the unmistakable charm and a rich history attached to it. This proud capital city of Puglia in the heel of Italy’s boot like structure has a bustling port with connections to Greece, Albania and Croatia and also has an international airport with connections to most major cities in Italy and Europe
Bari Vecchia or the beautiful old quarter is a maze of lanes and bylanes, best explored at leisure. One immediately becomes an insider in the local life while strolling here. The bustling cafes, narrow alleys with women rolling orecchiette, the typical pasta of this region, and old men enjoying a leisurely chat – these are the endearing sights of this quaint old city.
Every day, on the seafront or lungomare, the fishermen come forth bringing their fresh haul of sea treasures and sell them at the fish market right opposite the boardwalk. Sea urchins, clams, mullets, prawns, anchovies, mussels, squid and other gems vie for attention, still gleaming wet.
Seafood in Bari is best enjoyed when cooked lightly, though there is also a culture here of eating raw fish or Crudo Barese, which can be enjoyed with a glass of crisp rosé. The rosati from this region are making their mark in the wine universe and the undulating hills near Bari are home to some notable wine appellations like Castel del Monte DOC, Barletta DOC and Gioia del Colle DOC. The native grapes used for these delicious, blushing rosati are negroamaro, primitivo, montepulciano and malvasia nera. The Uva di Troia grapes are typical of Castel del Monte – dark skinned, full of character and of noticeably high quality, as well as Aglianico, one of the ancient grape varieties considered to be introduced by the ancient Greeks.
Agriculture is in abundance in the fertile soils here and includes cherries, tomatoes, artichokes, grapes and olives. A special mention must be made of almonds or mandorle, especially from the Toritto area.
The Pugliese flora and fauna can be enjoyed at Alta Murgia National Park, which is witness to the enchanting change of seasons by way of its flourishing greenery and abundant flowers. This paradise for hiking and nature lovers is located about 50kms east of Bari and is a must visit.
No visit to Bari is complete without a visit to Basilica di San Nicola, where the patron saint, St Nicholas’ remains are enshrined. The façade of this cathedral is austere, but the gilded 17th-century wooden ceiling inside is embossed with intricate frescos and is breathtakingly beautiful. It is believed that the corpse of St Nicholas still emits myrrh like substance with healing powers which can be bought in small bottles at the church’s souvenir shop.
The best way to explore Bari is through aimless wanderings.
Wherever you are, you’re sure to find your way back. And chances are, you would have discovered some wonderful surprises along the way.
Author: Gargi Guha, Director, PR, Four Seasons, Bengaluru
Image Credit: U-Pulp Visual & Motion | http://imaginapulia.com
