Bari Vecchia: The Heartbeat of Bari, Italy

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusa/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-sah/mee dee-spyah-cheh]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stai]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [vohr-reh-ee veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-reh-ee pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vyah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kyah-mah lah poh-lee-tsya]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un medico!
  [kyah-mah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso/a
  [mee soh-noh pehr-soh/ah]
• I'm illSto male
  [stoh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-reh-ee kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwan-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-noh leh dee-eh-chee eh meh-tsa]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jjee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [say]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-veh]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwal eh leen-dee-ree-tsoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee moh-stahr-mee soo-lah mahp-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwan-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh ow-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-lyet-toh pehr]

Bari Vecchia, the old town of Bari, has its roots in antiquity, with its earliest foundations laid by the Greeks in the 4th century BC. The strategic coastal location made it an essential port for trade and cultural exchange. The Romans later took control, further developing the area and integrating it into their extensive empire, which laid the groundwork for the town's significance in the region.

During the Byzantine era, particularly from the 6th to the 11th centuries, Bari Vecchia became a vital center for the Eastern Roman Empire. The city was fortified, and its churches, notably the Basilica di San Nicola, were built to reflect the Byzantine architectural style. This period marked a flourishing of trade and cultural exchange between the East and West, with Bari becoming a key player in the Mediterranean.

In the 11th century, the Normans conquered Bari, leading to a significant transformation of the city. They established the County of Bari, and the construction of imposing structures such as the Norman-Swabian Castle began. This era introduced Romanesque architecture, which is still evident in the churches and public buildings of Bari Vecchia, showcasing the blend of Norman, Byzantine, and local styles.

The 13th century ushered in the rule of Frederick II, who consolidated the Kingdom of Sicily, which included Bari. This period saw the construction of many significant structures and the establishment of Bari as a cultural hub. The region experienced economic growth, and the university was founded, enhancing its reputation as a center for learning and culture.

The 16th and 17th centuries were marked by a cultural renaissance in Bari Vecchia, even as the region faced challenges from the Ottoman Empire. During this time, the local population maintained its identity through vibrant festivals, culinary traditions, and religious practices. The architecture continued to evolve, with Baroque influences becoming prominent in the construction of churches and public buildings.

Bari Vecchia endured significant damage during World War II, particularly from air raids targeting the port. Post-war reconstruction efforts focused on restoring the historical districts, preserving the unique character of the old town. This led to a renewed interest in the cultural heritage and history of Bari Vecchia, which has since become a focal point for tourism and local pride.

Bari Vecchia is centrally located in Bari, easily accessible from other neighbourhoods. If arriving by train, Bari Centrale is the main station. From there, you can either walk (approximately 20 minutes) or take a local bus (line 21, 22) to the old town. Taxis are also available and can take you directly to the entrance of Bari Vecchia.

Bari Vecchia is best explored on foot due to its narrow winding streets and pedestrian-friendly layout. Bicycles can be rented from various shops around the city for a more leisurely exploration. Public transport options like buses are limited within the old town, but they connect to other parts of Bari. For longer excursions, consider using local taxis or rideshare apps.

Bari Vecchia is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Pickpocketing can occur in busy streets or markets. It's advisable to avoid poorly lit alleys at night. While the area is not known for violent crime, exercising caution and being aware of your surroundings is always prudent.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. There are hospitals and pharmacies in and around Bari Vecchia for medical needs. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For less urgent matters, local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medication.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting churches. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops in these areas. Religion: Do respect local customs; cover your head in certain religious sites. Public Transport: Do give your seat to elderly passengers, and don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Ciao' or 'Buongiorno'. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine and accept food offerings. Don't waste food or refuse a meal, as it's considered impolite.

To experience Bari Vecchia like a local, visit the daily market at Piazza Mercantile for fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with local artisans and shopkeepers; many are eager to share stories about their crafts. Try to learn a few phrases in Italian, as locals appreciate the effort. Don't miss the evening passeggiata (stroll) when locals gather in the streets to socialize. For a unique perspective, explore the hidden corners of the old town, where you can find charming squares and local events.