Beyond all the must-see tourist attractions, there’s an Italy that lets you “get away from it all.” One of those sublime Italian destinations is Trani. There, you can enjoy views of the sea, soak in the sights and sounds of the harbor, and stroll the old city center.

Trani is a place to escape from the fast pace of mainstream travel. It’s a seaport in the region of Apulia on the Adriatic Sea in southern Italy, 25 miles by rail from Bari.

 

Trani is a place where real life puts on a show: a parade of fishing boats painted in intense colors, with their owners displaying their catch for buyers, and a long line of yachts, all of which tells us that Trani is a place that’s closely linked with the sea.

 

It’s ironic then, that the town’s castle, the cathedral and its ancient palaces can be better seen from the sea than from land. The majestic cathedral is the focal point of the whole city, with its beautiful façade facing the port.

 

The town is reminiscent of old-fashioned seaside Italy with its aged buildings and boats bobbing in the harbor. The evening is the best time to explore. Do nothing but breathe in the salt air and leave behind the bustle of the port and the activities of the day.

 

What to Do

Trani has tourist sites, yet its real appeal is that it’s the sort of place to wander, explore, meet locals and soak in the ambience. However it would be almost impossible to visit and not see the cathedral, which dominates the seashore from its spectacular position at the water’s edge.

 

Dedicated to Saint Nicholas the Pilgrim, the Cattedrale di San Nicola Pellegrino is an example of Apulian Romanesque architecture. It combines elements of styles from different periods and cultures. Regarded by many is the finest cathedral in Apulia, it boasts a decorated portal with a stunning bronze door, the work of Barisano da Trani. Each of its 32 panels portrays a biblical character. The 180-foot bell tower, built in different periods, is adorned with a series of double, triple and quintuple lancet windows and an octagonal cusp at the top.

 

Add Trani to Your Itinerary

Trani is on Italy’s mainline railway network, so it’s easy to reach. It makes a good day-trip if you are staying in Bari. It would also make a good alternative base for seeing the area: much more sedate than the big city of Bari.

The town’s beautiful landscape is matched by its excellent local cuisine. The sea, history and delicious food make Trani one of the most appealing destinations in southern Italy.

 

For more information, visit http://www.italia.it/en/discover-italy/apulia/barletta-andria-trani.html.