Arrival in the early afternoon at Barletta, the city of Ettore Fieramosca’s epic challenge, which has a valuable historic centre, the visit begins with the imposing Castello Svevo, built by the Normans around the 11th century, designed to act as a prison-fortress against enemies, since it was surrounded by the sea which at that time reached up to the current moat. The complex still has panoramic terraces from which you can see the sea. Today, the Swabian Castle of Barletta houses the Civic Museum (with a rich collection of archaeological finds and a collection of paintings and sculptures of the Neapolitan school from the 17th to the 20th century).
The itinerary will continue with a visit to its characteristic feature Romanesque-Gothic style cathedral and the Cantina della Sfida, where objects that refer to the Barletta Challenge are kept.
Continue to hotel accommodation, dinner and overnight stay.
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Castel del Monte, famous Frederick castle with its characteristic octagonal shape, a UNESCO heritage site since 1996, which dominates a large area and stands in a strategic position.
Lunch at the hotel and continuation to Trani, main town of Apulian nightlife and famous for its Romanesque cathedral which stands out suggestively over the sea. Made of clear limestone, supplied by the generous local quarries, it is the sentinel of one of the most important maritime cities in Puglia, and is an excellent example of Apulian Romanesque architecture. Walk along the picturesque and elegant port and dinner in a restaurant.
Return to hotel and overnight stay.
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Bari, Apulian capital. Visit of Basilica di San Nicola, one of the most important Italian Romanesque basilicas, and of notable interest for the majestic crypt, which preserves the remains of the saint and is therefore still disputed today between Christians and Orthodox. Continue to the Cathedral of San Sabino and the imposing Castello Svevo, an imposing fortress dating back to the 12th century, now used as a museum.
Free lunch along the alleys of old Bari, with its typical street food places where it is possible to taste the popizze (Bari pancakes) or the characteristic octopus sandwich.
Continuation in the afternoon for Conversano. The historic center of Conversano, completely pedestrian, is protected in its fortification and stands out from the rest of the city almost as if it wanted to defend itself. It has a past rich in dominations, which saw the Byzantines, the Lombards, the Princes of Salerno up to the last lords of the house: the counts of Acquaviva di Aragona. In the historic center, full of suggestive alleys, we find the castle of Conversano, built in the Norman era, with the characteristic circular tower, the cathedral and the Monastery of San Benedetto.
Return to hotel, dinner and overnight.
Breakfast at the hotel and morning dedicated to Ruvo di Puglia. The tour begins with a visit to the Duomo, masterpiece of the Apulian Romanesque style, with its characteristic “hut” façade and the splendid sixteenth-century twelve-rayed rose window. Continuation along the suggestive Old Town. Free lunch during the return journey.
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