Bari

Bari is the second largest continental city of Southern Italy, with a population of 326,201 (2001) along 116 sq. km. It serves as the capital of the Apulia (or Puglia) region, on the Adriatic Sea, and also as the capital of the Province of Bari.

Related Topics:
Italy - Apulia - Adriatic Sea - Province of Bari

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In the 1990s the population in the city saw a consistent decrease, according to the national trend, in favor of the towns in the first metropolitan ring. It was necessary to institute the Metropolitan Area: today the project is underway, with 12 towns who already opted to be in, for a total of around 600,000 inhabitants.

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The town consists of three parts: the closely built old town on the peninsula to the north, with the splendid Basilica of San Nicola (Saint Nicholas), the Cathedral of San Sabino (1035 - 1171) and the Swabian castle, is now also one of the major nightlife districts; the Murattiano town to the south (with its stunning promenade on the sea), major shopping district (with the famous Via Sparano and Via Argiro) and heart of the city, which is laid out on a rectangular plan; the more modern chaotic city surrounds this and is the result of rapid development during the '60s and '70s.

Related Topics:
San Nicola - 1035 - 1171

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The church of San Nicola (Saint Nicholas) was founded in 1087 to receive the relics of this saint, which were brought from Myra in Lycia, and now lie beneath the altar in the crypt. The church is one of the four Palatine churches of Apulia (the others being the cathedrals of Acquaviva and Altamura, and the church of Monte Sant'Angelo sul Gargano.

Related Topics:
San Nicola - 1087 - Myra - Lycia - Altar - Crypt - Cathedral - Acquaviva - Altamura - Monte Sant'Angelo

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