Barletta
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 22 November 2023
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The city of Barletta is a co-capital city of the Province of Barletta Andria Trani with a population of 94,564 inhabitants. Situated on the Adriatic Coast, it covers a total area of 149 km² and lies 58 kilometres north west of Bari, the regional capital of Puglia.
The city sprawls inland from its port which is flanked on either side by a sandy beach. The most iconic sight in the city is the vast castle that lies in wait just behind the port while the Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Maggiore is among Puglia's most beautiful cathedrals. |
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Sightseeing Barletta
This is a vibrant city that benefits from cool sea breezes in the summer months and thus draws visitors to its beaches or to walk along its palm-tree-lined promenades. History never feels very far away though with such an impressive monument as the Castello Svevo (Swabian Castle) dominating the landscape. The fortress was originally built by the Normans in the 10th century but it was the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II who enlarged it in the 13th century to the scale that we see now.
Just a short walk from the Castle looms the beautiful Cathedral; built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style, it was later given a Gothic facelift. The Cathedral sits in the middle of Piazzetta del Duomo, an attractive square that's popular with locals, especially at aperitivo time. The cobbled streets around the Cathedral are full of history and there are landmarks that hark back to the time of the Romans such as the Porta Marino city gate.
The further you venture inland from the sea the modern the city becomes but there are further historical monuments to enjoy such as the Basilica del Santo Sepolcro. Just outside the Basilica is a statue called the Colossus of Barletta; the provenance of the 5 metre statue is hotly debated with its likeness thought to be that of any of half a dozen different Roman Emperors.
Just a short walk from the Castle looms the beautiful Cathedral; built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style, it was later given a Gothic facelift. The Cathedral sits in the middle of Piazzetta del Duomo, an attractive square that's popular with locals, especially at aperitivo time. The cobbled streets around the Cathedral are full of history and there are landmarks that hark back to the time of the Romans such as the Porta Marino city gate.
The further you venture inland from the sea the modern the city becomes but there are further historical monuments to enjoy such as the Basilica del Santo Sepolcro. Just outside the Basilica is a statue called the Colossus of Barletta; the provenance of the 5 metre statue is hotly debated with its likeness thought to be that of any of half a dozen different Roman Emperors.
Profile
Barletta, situated in the Apulia region of Italy, is a coastal city with a rich historical heritage, a vibrant cultural scene, and a distinctive coastal charm. Known for its historical sites, Barletta offers a captivating blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture along the Adriatic Sea.
History
Founded by the Greeks and later shaped by Romans, Barletta gained prominence during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The city is renowned for the iconic Colossus of Barletta, a colossal bronze statue representing a Roman emperor, standing on the waterfront.
Highlights
- Colossus of Barletta: Marvel at the Colossus, a massive bronze statue standing on the seafront promenade, believed to represent Emperor Heraclius.
- Castello Svevo (Swabian Castle): Explore this medieval fortress, witness to Barletta's history and strategically positioned along the coast.
- Basilica di San Sepolcro: Visit the 12th-century church, a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture, housing precious artworks and religious artifacts.
- Piazza Castello: Wander through the charming main square surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and a lively atmosphere.
- Disfida di Barletta: Learn about the historic Challenge of Barletta, a famous duel fought in 1503 between Italian and French knights, commemorated annually with events.
Comune di Barletta
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Province: Barletta Andria Trani
Region: Puglia Population: 92,787 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2022) Size: 149 km² Top sights: Castello Svevo, Barletta Cathedral, beach Close by: Trani, Margherita di Savoia, Cannae, Cerignola, Bisceglie Recommended accommodation: Antica Dimora |
Barletta Travel
Barletta's train station is located to the south of the city centre, a 12 minute (1 km) walk to the main sightseeing area around the Cathedral and the Castle. A variety of train services are in operation from Barletta, including a fast service direct to Bari (37 minutes) with no stops in between; this same train continues all the way down to Lecce (1 hour 59 minutes), stopping along the way at Brindisi (1 hour 37 minutes). A slower train is also available for some of the smaller towns along the coast such as Trani (9 minutes), Bisceglie (15 minutes), Molfetta (22 minutes) and Giovinazzo (28 minutes). Heading in the opposite direction it takes 3 hours 33 minutes for a train to Rome which stops along the way in Foggia (40 minutes).
The most convenient airport for Barletta is Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport which is a 40 minute drive away (51 km) while the best alternative is Brindisi Salento Airport, 1 hour 54 minutes by car (175 km).
There are some interesting places of interest close to Barletta; included along those are the battlefield of Cannae where an enormous number of soldiers lost their lives in the Punic Wars; this was one of the largest battles in recorded history and attracts large numbers to its visitor centre. Further inland the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Castel del Monte is one of the major visitor attractions in Puglia while along the coast above and below Barletta are the popular towns of Manfredonia, Margherita di Savoia and Trani.
The most convenient airport for Barletta is Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport which is a 40 minute drive away (51 km) while the best alternative is Brindisi Salento Airport, 1 hour 54 minutes by car (175 km).
There are some interesting places of interest close to Barletta; included along those are the battlefield of Cannae where an enormous number of soldiers lost their lives in the Punic Wars; this was one of the largest battles in recorded history and attracts large numbers to its visitor centre. Further inland the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Castel del Monte is one of the major visitor attractions in Puglia while along the coast above and below Barletta are the popular towns of Manfredonia, Margherita di Savoia and Trani.
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Public transport: central train station, local buses
By train: Trani - 9 mins, Bisceglie - 15 mins, Molfetta - 22 mins |
By car: Trani - 23 mins (13 km), Andria - 25 mins (12 km)
Fly to: Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport - 40 minutes by car - (51 km) |
