Bari Favorite Tips by dnwitte

Favorite thing: Visit the Basilica of St. Nicholas and the Cathedral of the Odegetria in the old city. These are both magnificent edifices which date back to the period of the Norman conquest, as well as being very active living parishes with outstanding music and (during our stay) almost constant events. The crypt at St. Nicholas actually has the bones of Santa Claus.

Fondest memory: Turning a corner and running smack into a religious procession, 'La Festa di Santa Maria delle Grazie' according to the lady I asked... A big decked out statue of the the Virgin Mary being borne through the streets accompanied by a booming bleating oomp-pah band and a large crowd of faithful.