City walk, Bari

First stop is La chiesa Di San Domenico (Church of Saint Dominic) located on Piazza Liberta is the church of the prefecture . The church survived the ancient Dominican convent which was located where the Prefecture Palace stands today. Almost nothing remains of the large religious complex, except this small, apparently anonymous church, but embellished inside with baroque friezes, fifteenth-century canvases and crucifixes from the Venetian school.

The front of the church is a simple 18th century facade.

The front part is divided into three parts, punctuated by double pilasters and surmounted by a cornice that curves in the center to form a broken pediment on which a baroque pediment stands. In the lunette of the portal is the coat of arms of the Confraternity of San Domenico.

The interior is surprisingly beautiful compare with the simplicity of entrance door,

The interior is rich in gold, stucco, and marble

The single nave is dominated by a barrel ceiling and a dome that rises over the Greek cross plan of the building.

Beautiful ceiling.

The main Altar dominated by one of the most beautiful works by the painter from Bari Antonio Lanave : “ Glory of Saint Dominic". The author, a disciple of the more famous Raffaele Armenise, worked on it in 1921, also creating the frescoes in the dome.

Above the main altar is a stained glass window letting light inside.

The stupendous wooden crucifix of the Venetian school placed on a painting attributed to Vincenzo Lapegna.

A side altar with Saint Dominic holding a child.

Old Town

This fruit stall was featured in Stanley Tucci's series: Searching for Italy in the Puglia episode. It showed Stanly buying some fruits at this stand.

In the old town where the Orecchiette (pasta in the ear shape) Ladies are making pasta in alleyway and they sell them in front of their housel

The pasta come in many flavors and they also sell Taralli (Italian crackers). Taralli are a bit like breadsticks and they are great with coffee or tea.

Pasta, pasta, and more pasta...

We are just going through the old town. People dry their clothes by hanging them on balconies.

City Center

Palazzo del Governo (The government palace) is a historic building in the center of Bari.

Palazzo del Governo was converted from Dominican monastery in 1830 and it is now the headquarter of the Prefecture with state administrative offices.

We are just moving along...

Founded in 1854 the Piccinni Theater is the oldest theater in Bari.

Piccinni Theater was named in honor of 18th century composer Niccolo Piccinni who was born in Bari.

Statue of Niccolo Piccinni was erected on the Corso Vittorio Emanuele since 1885.

The old Port (Porto Vecchio)

The old Port is a small port in Bari located south-east of the Old town in the historical center enclosed between the pier of Sant'Antonio and Pier of San Nicola.

People lining up to buy or eat seafood here.

The small port is very picturesque with the presence of colorful boats and a fish market.

Panoramic view of the quay.

Outside of the basilica there is sculpted bust of Pope John Paul II.

Fresh seafood

They have fresh Uni, oysters, and fresh fish.

To tenderize octopuses the fishermen sling them on rocks or hard surface and then dip them into the sea water, rock the bassin and when they see foam they know that the octopuses are ready.

They usually cook them but it can also be eaten raw.

There are many communal tables for people to eat their seafood.

View of the quay from inside the fish market.

Two birds looking for something to eat....

NEXT... Day 5- Lunch at Bottega del tortelino