An Italian chef draws attention to a city less promoted as a tourist, but which he considers an authentic destination in Italy. It is about Bari, a city located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, where culinary traditions are still preserved in the public space, right on the streets.
At a time when millions of tourists choose Italy for holidays every year, many of the famous destinations are becoming increasingly crowded. However, according to chef Vincenzo, the south of the country still offers authentic experiences, far from mass tourism.
In a video published on YouTube, the chef talks about the authentic charm of Bari: “A truly wonderful city. It has improved a lot in the last 10 years. It is one of the best places to visit in southern Italy. It’s genuine and it’s extraordinary.”
With just over 315,000 inhabitants, Bari is considered one of the most important cities in southern Italy. It is both a spectacular Mediterranean port and a university town.
The city is divided into several distinct areas. The old town, Bari Vecchia, is a labyrinth of narrow and historic streets, which also houses the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, dating from the 11th century, according to the express.
Piazza del Ferrarese, one of the most famous squares, overlooks the Augusto Imperatore seafront, and its atmosphere harmoniously blends the old town with the modern seaside area. The name of the market comes from a merchant from Ferrara who settled here in the 17th century.
Traces of a Roman road from the 2nd century can also be seen in the area, preserved and displayed in the square, attracting daily tourists who stop to admire the harbor with colorful boats.
In contrast, the Murat district, built on the initiative of Joachim Murat, represents the modern area of the city, with its gridded streets, crowded shops and cafes.
Travel expert Mark Wolters says one of Bari’s essential attractions is Strada Arco Basso, where local women make the famous orecchiette pasta on the street.
“When you get here, you’ll see a street where all these grannies, all these women, are making orecchiette, a special type of pasta here,” he said in a video.
He said that he bought products directly from the locals and that the experience was authentic: “It was a really cool experience.”
Mark also recommends local specialties, especially focaccia barese, a traditional bread with tomatoes and olives, typical of the region.
For tourists who want to explore the entire Puglia region, the expert suggests renting a car from Bari airport, as driving in the city center, especially in the old area, can be difficult.
