Bari: The Jewel of the Adriatic Coast

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ar-ri-ve-der-chi]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [per fa-vo-re/pre-go]
• Thank youGrazie
  [gra-tzi-e]
• Excuse me/SorryScusa/Scusami
  [scoo-za/scoo-sa-mee]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [ko-me stai]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [be-ne/e tu]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [par-li in-gle-se]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [non ca-pi-sco]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [vo-rre-i ve-de-re eel me-nu/per fa-vo-re]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [non man-jo car-ne]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sa-lu-te]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vo-rre-i pa-ga-re/per fa-vo-re]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ai-u-to]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vai via]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kya-ma la po-li-tzi-a]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kya-ma oon dot-to-re]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mi so-no per-so]
• I'm illSono malato
  [so-no ma-la-to]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vo-rre-i com-pra-re]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [sto so-lo guar-dan-do]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [quan-to cos-ta]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [e tro-p-po ca-ro]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwoi ab-bas-sa-re eel pret-so]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [ke o-ra e]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [e lu-na]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [so-no le die-ci e met-zza]
• MorningMattina
  [mat-ti-na]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [po-me-rig-gio]
• EveningSera
  [se-ra]
• YesterdayIeri
  [ie-ri]
• TodayOggi
  [od-ji]
• TomorrowDomani
  [do-ma-ni]
• 1Uno
  [u-no]
• 2Due
  [du-e]
• 3Tre
  [tre]
• 4Quattro
  [quat-tro]
• 5Cinque
  [chin-kwe]
• 6Sei
  [sei]
• 7Sette
  [set-te]
• 8Otto
  [ot-to]
• 9Nove
  [no-ve]
• 10Dieci
  [die-ci]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è un/il...?
  [do-ve oon/eel]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwal e lin-di-rit-zo]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwoi mo-strar-mi/sul-la map-pa]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [quan-do pas-sa eel pros-si-mo/au-to-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon big-let-to/per]

Bari's history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of settlements in the area as far back as the Bronze Age. It was originally a small village inhabited by the Peucetii, an Illyrian tribe. The strategic location on the Adriatic Sea made it an important hub for trade and cultural exchange.

During the Roman period, Bari became known as Barium. It flourished as a significant port and commercial center, benefiting from its position on the Via Traiana, a major Roman road. The city was equipped with essential infrastructure, including a forum, baths, and an amphitheater.

In the early medieval period, Bari experienced a series of power shifts. It became part of the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century and served as the capital of the Byzantine province of Langobardia. The Lombards, a Germanic people, later took control of the area in the 7th century, leading to a period of prosperity and cultural development.

In the 9th century, Bari was captured by Arab forces, becoming an Islamic Emirate for a brief period. This era brought new architectural styles and cultural influences to the city. In 1071, the Normans, led by Robert Guiscard, seized Bari, marking the end of Arab rule and the beginning of Norman dominance, which brought further architectural and administrative advancements.

One of the most significant events in Bari's history is the arrival of the relics of St. Nicholas in 1087. The relics were brought from Myra (in present-day Turkey) by a group of sailors. To house these relics, the Basilica di San Nicola was constructed, becoming a major pilgrimage site and a symbol of Bari's religious importance.

During the 12th and 13th centuries, Bari came under the rule of the Hohenstaufen dynasty, particularly Emperor Frederick II, who fortified the city and built the Castello Svevo. Later, the Angevin dynasty took control, further enhancing Bari's status as a key maritime and commercial hub in the Mediterranean.

Bari experienced cultural and economic growth during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The city saw the construction of elegant palaces and churches, many of which still stand today. The arts and education flourished, with the establishment of institutions such as the University of Bari in 1925.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Bari underwent significant modernization. The city expanded beyond its medieval walls, developing new neighborhoods and infrastructure. During World War II, Bari played a crucial role as an Allied base in the Mediterranean Theater. The city was bombed in 1943, but it quickly recovered and continued to grow in the post-war period.

Today, Bari is a vibrant and dynamic city that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern development. It is the capital of the Apulia region and an important economic and cultural center in southern Italy. The historic old town, with its narrow winding streets and historic buildings, contrasts with the bustling new town, showcasing Bari's unique charm and enduring legacy.

Bari is accessible via Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI), located about 8 kilometers northwest of the city center. The airport serves both domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or train to reach the city center. Alternatively, Bari is well-connected by train to other major Italian cities such as Rome, Milan, and Naples.

Bari has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trains. The local bus network, operated by AMTAB, covers most parts of the city. For intercity travel, Trenitalia offers extensive rail services. Taxis are readily available, and car rentals can be a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas. Biking is also popular, with several bike rental shops around the city.

Italy uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit places that are cash-only. ATMs are plentiful throughout Bari, so withdrawing cash shouldn't be an issue.

Bari is generally a safe city, but like any urban area, it is wise to take precautions. Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like the Old Town (Bari Vecchia) and train stations. Avoid isolated areas at night and keep your belongings secure. The neighborhoods of Libertà and Madonnella have higher crime rates, so extra vigilance is advised.

In case of emergency, dial 112, the European emergency number, for police, fire, or medical services. Bari has several hospitals and clinics, including Policlinico di Bari, which offers emergency services. Pharmacies are widespread and usually have a green cross sign; many have after-hours services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual and avoid overly casual or beachwear when not at the beach. Religion: Do cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do validate your bus ticket before boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a 'Buongiorno' (Good morning) or 'Buonasera' (Good evening). Kissing on both cheeks is common among friends. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like orecchiette pasta and focaccia. Don't rush through meals; dining is a leisurely affair.

To experience Bari like a local, visit the Fish Market in the Old Port for fresh seafood and a lively atmosphere. Wander through the narrow streets of Bari Vecchia to discover hidden churches and local eateries. Participate in 'passeggiata,' the evening stroll that locals take along the seafront promenade. Don't miss out on trying 'sgagliozze,' fried polenta snacks, from street vendors.