Trani it is a picturesque town in the north of Bari. Known for its cathedral, Trani is also characterized by its historic center with the Jewish quarter, its tourist port and the Frederick castle. Here are 10 things to see in Trani and what to do in the Apulian city, the main places of interest.
Where is Trani located?
Trani is a city of Puglia located north of Bari, provincial capital (with Andria and Barletta) since 2004. It has interesting noble palaces, a picturesque tourist port, a charming historic center, the majestic cathedral and the castle of Frederick II. Its strategic position on the Adriatic Sea has made it an important commercial and cultural center since ancient times.
Legend has it that Trani was founded by Tirreno (Tirenum), son of Diomede. The city was an important mercantile hub of the lower Adriatic, according to testimonies such as theOrder Maris, the oldest maritime code of the Middle Ages. After the destruction of nearby Canosa, Trani acquired greater importance, thanks also to its natural inlet which favored the first settlements.
Trani is easily reachable by car, train and plane (Bari airport) and has various points of interest. Depending on your time available, we recommend a series of things to do and see in Trani, in one day, in one weekend or over several days.
Trani, what to see in the Apulian capital
1 Trani Cathedral
La Trani Cathedral It is undoubtedly the symbol of the city and one of the most important examples of Apulian Romanesque. Situated on a promontory a short distance from the tourist port, its majestic presence suddenly reveals itself to visitors coming from the historic center.
The cathedral is made up of three superimposed churches:
- THEHypogeum of San Leucio, dating back to the 5th-7th century (accessible in the middle of the left nave)
- La Church of Santa Maria della Scala from the 11th century (accessible from the end of the internal naves)
- The basilica dedicated to Saint Nicholas the Pilgrim, the construction of which began in the 12th century
The facade, made in stone of Trani, has a double ramp accessible on the right and left sides. The rich entrance portal is a copy of the bronze door visible inside, the work of Barisano from Trani in the 12th century, which depicts symbolic, arabesque and human figures.
For architecture enthusiasts, the Trani Cathedral plan offers an interesting study of its unique structure. Some curiosities about the cathedral of Trani include the fact that it is the only Romanesque cathedral in Puglia built directly on the sea and that its bell tower, about 60 metres high, dates back to the XNUMXth century.
Trani Cathedral – ©Photo Anna Bruno/FullTravel.it
2 Diocesan Museum
Il Diocesan Museum of Trani is located inside the Lodispoto Palace next to the cathedral and the bell tower. Inside there are sculptures, stone material, tombs and capitals. The tables with are of great importance St. Nicholas of Mira e Jerome, San Redento e saint great and a fourteenth-century altar of French art. The museum is open on odd days from 10,00 to 12,00. In summer also the Tuesday e Thursday from 17,30pm to 19,00pm. On Sundays it is open by reservation only.
3 The castle of Trani
Originally, the castle communicated directly with the sea, but today this connection no longer exists. Its strategic position, in front of the cathedral, underlines its historical and architectural importance. The original wooden drawbridge has been replaced by a stone one, but the keep and the three corner towers still date back to the time of Frederick.
For interested visitors, the tickets for the Trani castle are available on site. The Trani Castle opening hours and prices vary depending on the season, so it is advisable to check in advance. The reviews of the Swabian Castle of Trani are generally very positive, with visitors particularly appreciating the panoramic view from the top and the rich history of the place.
4 The port
Trani it is a very fascinating Apulian destination. Rich in history, a visit to Trani it can only start from the port where it is easy to come across fishermen returning from the sea. The port was the ancient center of the city but is still a meeting place today. Inside the harbor there are different types of boats: fishing boats, sailing boats and pleasure boats. The port is located between the promontory of the cathedral and that of the fort of Sant'Andrea. This is where the Palazzo Caccia, in late Gothic and the Church of All Saints, in Romanesque style. A walk along the port, among the fresh fish stalls, is an unmissable experience for those visiting Trani.
5 The Jewish quarter
Near the tourist port begins a maze of streets that intersect in the Jewish quarter of Trani, a fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets that wind around the tourist port. The entrance to the neighborhood is marked by the Giudecca Gate (Old Gate), which leads to Away with Judea. This historic district, located along the city walls, bears witness to the Lombard and Swabian dominations.
In the past, the neighborhood was home to four synagogues, of which only two have survived to this day:
- La Synagogue of Santa Maria di Scolanova
- La synagogue of Sant'Anna (Great Synagogue) from the 13th century, which today houses the Jewish Museum
A visit to the Jewish quarter is essential to fully understand Trani's rich multicultural history.
Trani: see also
6 The historical center
Il historic center of Trani It features narrow streets that intersect with alleys and tiny squares. The historic center is a treasure chest that holds noble palaces and historic churches. This treasure chest of history holds noble palaces and historic churches, offering visitors a dive into the city's past.
Among the most notable churches in the historic center we find:
- La Church of San Francesco
- La Church of Sant'Andrea
- La Church of Santa Chiara (in baroque style)
- La Church of St. James, in Romanesque style, whose crypt preserves the relics of Saint Nicholas the Pilgrim
Getting lost in the narrow streets of the historic center of Trani is a unique experience that allows you to discover the authentic soul of the city. For those who have little time, Trani in one day can be explored by focusing on the historic center and its main monuments.
7 Trani Carriage Museum
The Carriage Museum of Trani is a private collection of the Telesio family. Since 1956 it has housed a collection of 34 carriages of the most varied models: morning, evening, ladies', hunting, as well as coachmen's uniforms and horse harnesses. The importance of this collection demonstrates the craftsmanship of the era and tells the story of noble splendor with authenticity and style. This unique collection demonstrates the craftsmanship of the era and tells the story of noble splendor with authenticity and style. It is an unmissable attraction for history and culture enthusiasts.
8 Beltrani Palace of Arts
Il Beltran Palace of Artsi It is a multifunctional museum and cultural center of reference of Trani. The museum hosts various collections related to the history of the city and its illustrious figures, which have been significantly enriched over time.
Inside the palace there is also a substantial collection of texts with historical and artistic content, specialized in particular in the history of art. These texts, acquired through bequests and donations, are available for consultation in the Museum's Consultation Center.
9 Where to eat in Trani
It is not difficult to find a good place to eat in Trani. Throughout Puglia and Trani is no exception, the food is truly a joy for the palate. The historic center of Trani is full of trattorias serving typical local cuisine but also in the streets overlooking the port, the offer is varied. Before deciding where to eat, take into account your budget and your appetite. You can, thus, select cheap taverns or restaurants with gourmet cuisine. Chef restaurant at Savino it's one of them. Excellent service and tasty gourmet dishes a stone's throw from the port. Recommended by Anna and Raffaele of FullTravel.it.
10 Where to sleep in Trani
Find a hotels in Trani at a good price, it's not entirely difficult. The city offers good hospitality with hotel facilities for all budgets but also many non-hotel offers. It depends on your needs and, undoubtedly, your budget.
Trani is a city that offers a perfect mix of history, culture and natural beauty. Whether you decide to visit it in a day or dedicate an entire weekend, Trani will surprise you with its unique charm and rich cultural heritage. From the majestic Castello Svevo to the splendid Cathedral on the sea, passing through the picturesque historic center and the characteristic Jewish quarter, Trani is a destination that will not fail to enchant every type of visitor.
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