Via sparano

Stop for a moment in front of the Chiesa di San Ferdinando, one of the churches in Bari’s modern center. It was built in the mid-19th century, during a time when the city was beginning to expand beyond the medieval old town. The project was supported by the Archbishop of Bari and approved by King Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies. According to a local anecdote often told, the king was unimpressed by the building when he saw it and allegedly compared it to "a beautiful stable." It’s hard to know if this phrase is authentic, but it has remained in popular memory. Now, look around you: the church seems almost squeezed between buildings. This wasn’t the case originally. In the 1930s, architect Saverio Dioguardi completely redesigned the neighborhood and constructed the buildings that now frame the façade. The church was thus integrated into this new urban complex, positioned on Via Sparano, Bari’s main shopping street. This long, straight street connects the central station to the heart of the city and is now almost entirely pedestrianized for much of its length. Locals sometimes call it Bari’s living room. People come here to stroll, chat, window shop, and meet acquaintances. Shopping is of course important, but the walk itself is just as essential. That’s why the street was completely redeveloped between 2018 and 2020 to become a large pedestrian space. The new paving and the modern benches placed all along the street have also sparked quite a lot of discussion among residents. Some loved the new modern look, while others found it a bit too exotic for Bari. But one thing is certain: today, Via Sparano remains one of the most lively spots in the city, especially in the evening when locals come for their evening stroll. So, what do you think about it?