Bari history

The history of the city of Bari in Italy spans several millennia, reflecting the turbulent past of the entire Mediterranean. The city, which grew at the crossroads of civilisations, has witnessed changing eras—from antiquity to the Middle Ages—playing a key role in the region's life each time.

Foundation and First Mentions

The first settlements on the site of modern Bari were likely founded by Illyrian tribes. Later, a Greek colony emerged here, and subsequently, under the name Barium, the city became part of the Roman Republic. During the Roman era, Bari became an important port and commercial hub, especially after the construction of the Trajan Way, which connected it to Rome. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the city repeatedly changed hands, coming under the rule of the Goths, Lombards, and Saracens.

Key Factors of Development

Geographical location has always been Bari's main asset. Situated on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, its port served as a natural gateway to the East. The city reached its peak during the period of Byzantine rule, when it became the capital of the Catepanate of Italy—the most important military and political centre of Byzantium on the Apennine Peninsula. In the 11th century, the city was conquered by the Normans, who strengthened its status as one of the main ports for dispatching crusaders and pilgrims to the Holy Land.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Bari was inextricably linked to maritime trade. However, a turning point in the city's history was the transfer of the relics of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker from Myra in Lycia in 1087. This event turned Bari into one of the largest centres of Christian pilgrimage for both Catholics and Orthodox Christians. To house the relic, the famous Basilica of Saint Nicholas was built, and the city established itself for centuries as a spiritual and cultural bridge between the West and the East.

Key Milestones in the History of Bari

The history of Bari is a kaleidoscope of eras and cultures that have left their mark on the appearance of this southern port city. From ancient Greeks to the present day, the city has repeatedly changed its status, becoming a Byzantine capital or a key port for crusaders.

• 3rd century BC — The city, known as the Greek settlement of Barion, joins the Roman Republic under the name Barium and becomes an important port.
• 554 — After the fall of the Western Roman Empire and a period of wars, Bari passes under the rule of Byzantium, which defines its development for several centuries.
• 847–871 — The city is conquered by Arabs and becomes the capital of the independent Emirate of Bari, the only Muslim state on the Italian mainland.
• 885 — Bari becomes Byzantine again and is established as the capital of the Catepanate of Italy—the most important military-administrative centre of Byzantium in the region.
• 1071 — After a three-year siege, the city is conquered by the Normans led by Robert Guiscard, marking the end of Byzantine rule in Southern Italy.
• 9 May 1087 — The relics of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker arrive in Bari from Myra in Lycia, turning the city into one of the main centres of Christian pilgrimage.
• 1087 — Construction begins on the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, specifically designed to house the saint's relics.
• 1156 — King William I of Sicily, known as William the Bad, destroys the city to the ground as punishment for a rebellion, sparing only the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.
• 1233 — Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen restores and significantly strengthens the city castle (Castello Normanno-Svevo).
• 1558 — Bari becomes part of the Kingdom of Naples and loses its former political and economic significance for a long time.
• 1813 — By order of Joachim Murat, King of Naples, the "New City" (Murattiano) is founded with a modern rectangular street layout.
• 1860 — The city becomes part of the unified Kingdom of Italy.
• 2 December 1943 — During World War II, the port of Bari is subjected to a devastating bombing by German aviation, which went down in history as the "Little Pearl Harbor".

Major Milestones in Bari's Development

The history of Bari is marked by a number of key events that defined its economic, cultural, and urban appearance. From an ancient port to a modern metropolis, the city has undergone a unique path of transformation.

• Roman Era and the Trajan Way. In the 2nd century AD, the construction of the Trajan Way, connecting Bari (then Barium) directly with Rome, strengthened its status as a strategic port and trade hub on the Adriatic. This provided a powerful impetus for economic development and integration into the infrastructure of the Roman Empire.
• Transfer of the Relics of Saint Nicholas (1087). This event was a turning point in the city's history. The arrival of the relics from Myra in Lycia turned Bari into one of the most important centres of Christian pilgrimage in Europe for both Catholics and Orthodox Christians. This contributed not only to spiritual but also to economic prosperity, attracting pilgrims and merchants from all over the world.
• Norman Rule and the Crusades. In the 11th-12th centuries, after the Norman conquest, the port of Bari became one of the main departure points for knights and pilgrims to the Holy Land. This status strengthened its international importance and stimulated maritime trade.
• Reconstruction under Frederick II (13th century). After the destruction of the city in 1156, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen restored and significantly strengthened the castle (Castello Normanno-Svevo). This large-scale reconstruction not only revived the city but also created one of its main architectural symbols, defining the look of the historic centre for centuries to come.
• Creation of the "New City" (1813). By decree of Joachim Murat, King of Naples, a new district was laid out outside the medieval walls, known as Murattiano. Its strict rectangular street layout became a symbol of modernisation and urban expansion, contrasting with the medieval labyrinth of the Old Town.
• Founding of the Fiera del Levante (1930). The opening of this major international trade fair confirmed Bari's historical vocation as the "Gateway to the East". The fair became the engine of the city's modern economy, strengthening its position as a key commercial hub in the Mediterranean.

The architectural appearance of Bari is the city's history frozen in stone. Here, medieval labyrinths sit alongside grand 19th-century developments, and monumental structures from the early 20th century frame the coastline. Each district and every landmark building tells of its era, creating a unique and multifaceted urban landscape.

The Middle Ages and Apulian Romanesque Style

The heart of the city—the old quarter Bari Vecchia—is a classic medieval town with a chaotic network of narrow streets. The architectural dominant here is the Apulian Romanesque style, formed in the 11th–13th centuries. Its brightest examples are the city's main shrines.

• Basilica of Saint Nicholas (Basilica di San Nicola), founded in 1087, became the standard for this style. Its powerful, almost fortress-like façade with two massive towers reflects the restless spirit of the times. The temple was built to house the saint's relics and became a centre of pilgrimage.
• Cathedral of San Sabino (Cattedrale di San Sabino) is another magnificent example of Apulian Romanesque architecture, built in the 12th–13th centuries on the ruins of a Byzantine church. Its façade is decorated with exquisite carvings and a large rose window.
• Castello Normanno-Svevo demonstrates the transition from Norman military architecture to the more representative structures of the era of Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen, who rebuilt and fortified it in the 13th century.

Modern Era: The Murattiano District

A radical turn in Bari's urban planning occurred in the early 19th century. By decree of Joachim Murat, a Napoleonic marshal and King of Naples, a new district was founded in 1813—Borgo Murattiano. This quarter, located outside the old city walls, became the antipode to medieval Bari.

• Urban Planning Concept: The district received a strict rectangular ("grid") layout, typical of Classicism and Neoclassicism. Wide straight streets, such as Corso Cavour and Via Sparano, became the centre of the city's business and social life.
• Architectural Styles: Buildings in the Murattiano district are designed primarily in Neoclassical, Liberty (Italian Art Nouveau), and Eclectic styles. Numerous palaces (palazzi), theatres, banks, and high-end shops are located here.

20th Century: Monumentalism of the Seafront

In the first half of the 20th century, especially in the 1920s and 1930s, another large-scale project was implemented that shaped modern Bari's appearance—the construction of the grand seafront (Lungomare). The monumental public buildings erected during this period reflect the rationalist and monumental trends in the architecture of that time. Among them, the Palace of the Province (Palazzo della Provincia) and the Grande Albergo delle Nazioni hotel stand out, which largely define the city's sea façade to this day.

Notable Figures Associated with Bari

The city of Bari, with its rich and centuries-old history, has been the birthplace or place of activity for many outstanding individuals who have left a mark on culture, politics, and art. Here are some of them:

• Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker (c. 270–343) — Archbishop of Myra in Lycia. Although he was not born in Bari, his name is inextricably linked to the city. In 1087, his relics were transported to Bari, which turned the city into one of the most important centres of Christian pilgrimage in the world and defined its spiritual and cultural development for centuries.
• Argyrus (c. 1000–1068) — A Lombard nobleman and Byzantine general. The son of the Apulian rebel Melus, Argyrus was one of the key political and military figures in Southern Italy in the 11th century, playing a complex role in the struggle between the Byzantine Empire, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Norman conquerors.
• Niccolò Piccinni (1728–1800) — Composer, one of the most prolific and popular authors of opera buffa in the 18th century. Born in Bari, he was educated in Naples and achieved immense success throughout Europe, especially in Paris, where his rivalry with Gluck became a significant event in the history of music.
• Corrado Giaquinto (1703–1766) — An outstanding painter of the Rococo era. Although he was not born in Bari itself, but in nearby Molfetta, he is considered one of the main representatives of the Apulian school of painting. His works adorn palaces and churches throughout Italy and Spain. The main art gallery of Bari is named in his honour.
• Licia Albanese (1909–2014) — World-renowned opera singer (soprano). A native of Bari, she emigrated to the USA and was a leading soloist at the Metropolitan Opera in New York for decades. Albanese became famous for her interpretations of roles in the operas of Puccini and Verdi.
• Nichi Vendola (born 1958) — A well-known Italian politician, writer, and public figure. Born in Bari, he served as President of the Apulia region from 2005 to 2015, playing a significant role in the modern political life of Southern Italy.
• Antonio Cassano (born 1982) — Famous Italian footballer, forward. Born and raised in Bari, he began his professional career at the local football club Bari, after which he played for leading clubs in Italy and Spain, including Roma, Real Madrid, Milan, and Inter, as well as for the national team.