Things to Do and See in Barletta, Andria, and Trani

A predominantly agricultural region where fields of wheat, olive groves, and vineyards alternate with small towns of considerable artistic interest. Barletta, famous for the “challenge” of 1503 between the Italians and the French—which is commemorated every year in a historical reenactment in February—is home to the Colossus, an enormous statue dating back to the 5th century that likely depicts the Roman Emperor Theodosius II; The imposing 12th-century castle stands alongside the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore. The emblem of Andria—and perhaps of all of Puglia—is Castel del Monte, a castle built by Frederick II of Swabia and situated on a hill. The castle has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it features eight towers and is situated in one of the most beautiful spots in the Murgia region, within the Alta Murgia National Park. A visit to Canosa takes you back in time more than two thousand years; in fact, within its territory you can find the remains of ancient necropolises with underground chambers used for various purposes, such as hypogea—mausoleums dedicated to funerary rites—which have made this city one of the most important archaeological sites in Puglia. On the southern part of the coast lies Margherita di Savoia, home to Europe’s largest salt flats—the second largest in the world by area. Heading further south, you’ll find Trani, whose architectural highlights include the Swabian Castle and the Cathedral dedicated to Saint Nicholas.