BARI VECCHIA

BARI VECCHIA

On Wednesday, we went to the old town of Bari (known in Italy as Bari Vecchia) and did some exploring on our own.  Thankfully, our driver, Roberto, had taken us there on Monday for a quick two hour tour and we were able to see some of the things the old town is famous for because when we went back on Wednesday, we couldn't find those things (like the ladies making Orecchiette pasta and the farmers' market) on our own.

The old town is bordered on one side by the Adriatic sea and is known for a very long promenade along the sea.  The architecture of some of the buildings is impressive.  There are pedestrian only streets with lots of high end stores and a myriad of restaurants.

San Nicola Basilica in the old town has a plaza (piazza) which is always bustling.

The ceiling of San Nicola Basilica is quite elaborate; this picture doesn't really do it justice.

One of the small avenues off the San Nicola plaza.  There are also lots of little shops and small restaurants on some of these avenues where tourists can help the economy.

Many of the balconies have beautiful flowering plants hanging from them.

One of the ladies making Orecchiette pasta.

Some of the different kinds of pasta they make.

The front of the Teatro Margherita which used to be a theatre until 1979.  It is now used as a museum.

The back of Teatro Margherita seen from the promenade.

Cruise ships dock in the port on the other side of that long, low building in the background. 

This is just a small portion of the promenade.  There are benches all along the promenade and close to the beach area, many groups come to exercise.

One of the more impressive buildings in the pedestrian only section.

Some of the smaller restaurants in a plaza section of the town.

These pictures are only a very small indication of how beautiful the old town is.  If you ever get to Bari, be sure to visit the old town.