The Enchanting Seaside Haven of Santo Spirito, Bari

• 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 menu, per favore
  [vohr-ray 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-ray pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vattene!
  [vah-teh-neh]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kee-ah-mah lah poh-lee-tsya]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kee-ah-mah oon doht-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-no pehr-soh]
• I'm illSono malato
  [soh-noh mah-lah-toh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-ray kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-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)Le dieci e mezza
  [leh dee-eh-chee eh meh-tzah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [dweh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [seh-ee]
• 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?
  [kwahl eh een-dee-reet-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (nella mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trahr-mee (nel-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando è il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh eh eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ...)
  [oon bee-lyet-toh (pehr)]

Santo Spirito, a neighborhood in Bari, has its roots in ancient times, with historical records indicating its existence as a small fishing village. Its coastal location along the Adriatic Sea made it a strategic point for maritime trade and defense, contributing to its gradual development as a settlement.

The neighborhood is named after the Church of Santo Spirito, built in the 12th century. This church became a central religious institution for the local community and played a significant role in the cultural and spiritual life of Bari. The architectural style reflects the Romanesque influences prevalent in the region during that time.

During the Middle Ages, Santo Spirito evolved with the expansion of agriculture in the surrounding areas. The fertile lands supported the cultivation of various crops, and the community thrived on farming and fishing, which became the backbone of the local economy.

In the early 20th century, Santo Spirito was integrated into the city of Bari. This incorporation brought infrastructural improvements and urbanization, allowing for better connectivity with the city center and facilitating the movement of people and goods.

After World War II, Santo Spirito experienced significant growth as Bari expanded in the post-war period. New residential areas were developed, and the neighborhood saw an influx of families seeking housing and opportunities, transforming its demographic landscape.

Santo Spirito is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, including traditional festivals such as the Feast of Santo Spirito, celebrated in the first week of September. This event attracts locals and tourists alike, showcasing the neighborhood's rich history through music, food, and religious ceremonies.

Santo Spirito is easily accessible from other neighbourhoods in Bari. From Bari Centrale train station, take a local train towards Barletta, and disembark at the Santo Spirito station, which takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch a bus from the city center; several lines, including Line 16, connect to Santo Spirito. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available throughout Bari.

Santo Spirito is a compact neighbourhood, making it ideal for exploration on foot or by bicycle. Public buses operate frequently and connect various parts of the area, while the local train service links Santo Spirito to other parts of Bari and beyond. Bicycles can be rented from local shops, and many residents use them for commuting, allowing for a leisurely way to explore the scenic coastline.

Santo Spirito is generally a safe neighbourhood for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep personal belongings secure, especially in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is advisable to remain vigilant, particularly in areas near the train station and bus terminals.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The local hospital, Ospedale San Paolo, is accessible for urgent medical needs. It is advisable to carry a copy of your travel insurance and any important documents. Pharmacies are available throughout Santo Spirito for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting churches or local landmarks. Avoid overly casual or revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs; cover your shoulders and knees when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Buongiorno' (Good morning) or 'Buonasera' (Good evening). Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like 'sgagliozze' (fried polenta) and seafood. Don't refuse food or drink when offered, as it's seen as impolite.

To experience Santo Spirito like a local, visit the seafront in the early morning to watch fishermen at work and enjoy a fresh seafood breakfast at one of the local kiosks. Check out the Sunday market for fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with locals at the lively piazzas, particularly Piazza del Mare, and don't miss the chance to join in local festivals if your visit coincides with one.