Barletta-Andria-Trani: Culture, Landscape and Special Places

Culture, Landscape and Local Characteristics

A journey through Barletta-Andria-Trani can be planned around several specific attractions. Castel del Monte rises on a rocky hill and overlooks the surrounding Murgia landscape. By the sea stands the Castello di Trani, regarded as a symbol of the city's defence. At the Salina Margherita di Savoia, the Sentiero Airone offers birdwatching opportunities.

Architecture from Prehistory to the Middle Ages

Castel del Monte in Andria was completed in 1240 and is regarded as a unique masterpiece of medieval architecture. Cultural elements from Northern Europe, the Muslim world and classical antiquity come together in this building. The Dolmen La Chianca offers a much older perspective: it is a freely accessible monument and is regarded in Bisceglie as the best-preserved example of a passage dolmen in an elliptical mound from the protohistoric period between the 17th and 15th centuries BC. Its access corridor is 10 metres long. The Basilica Cattedrale di Trani is an outstanding example of Apulian Romanesque architecture. Tourist visits are suspended during religious services. When planning a visit to Trani, a distinction must be made between attending a service and a tourist visit.

Museums and Sacred Sites in Canosa and Andria

In 2015, Palazzo Sinesi became the home of the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Canosa di Puglia. The museum's renewed exhibition explores Canosa society between the Archaic and Hellenistic periods. At the Museo Diocesano San Riccardo, a chronological tour presents the history of the city of Andria and its diocese. The museum also provides access to its permanent exhibition route and hosts temporary exhibitions as well as cultural events. Andria Cathedral preserves the Holy Thorn, traditionally regarded as part of Christ's crown. Its crypt contains two tombs identified as the tombs of Yolande of Brienne and Isabella of England, the wives of Frederick II.

Exploring the Murgia on Foot

For planning your day, the Percorso H hiking trail between Andria and Castel del Monte has a clearly stated total length of 22 kilometres. The Percorso H starts at Chiesa Santa Lucia and can be reached by car via the Andria/Barletta exit of the A14 motorway. It passes through a typical Murgia landscape with small agricultural areas characterised by olive and almond trees.

Salt, Birds and Regional Uses

In addition to birdwatching, the Salina Margherita di Savoia area is associated with the salt production process and the work of salt workers. Salt from Margherita di Savoia is used for cooking and thermal treatments.

Further Places for Planning Your Trip

Barletta, San Ferdinando Di Puglia, Canosa Di Puglia, Margherita Di Savoia and Trani

To the higher-level travel overview: Apulia.

Further Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Brindisi, Lecce, Taranto.