View of the Adriatic Sea

It's time to take a moment to sit on a bench and enjoy the view of the Adriatic Sea, just steps away. The history of the city of Bari begins here, nearly three thousand years ago. Greek sailors established a trading post, naming it Bárion. The Romans later transformed it into a strategic military port. Then came the Byzantines, the Arabs, and the Normans, all drawn by the same thing: this natural harbor open to the Eastern Mediterranean. In 1087, the sea gave Bari its greatest treasure: the bones of Saint Nicholas of Myra. This daring theft turned Bari into a global pilgrimage site. Every May 9, fishermen still commemorate this event: their boats, decorated with flowers and lights, parade along the Adriatic, escorting the saint’s statue to the port. This tradition has continued uninterrupted for over nine hundred years. But the sea in Bari also means gastronomy. Along the seafront, pulpari (octopus sellers) can be seen beating octopuses against the rocks or quay to tenderize them before selling them raw with salt and lemon. A treat you must try! Now, turn around. Perhaps you've noticed a surprising detail on the back of the Basilica? There, you'll see elephants sculpted around the large window, with sphinxes above. This is a testament to the Byzantine influences in this vibrant port. The craftsmen of the Basilica depicted these animals, linked to the East, to accompany pilgrims and merchants on their sea journeys.