Introduction
Bari vecchia with its ladies of fresh pasta is the symbol of the most authentic Puglia.
The area boasts 4 protected-designation products and 4 dishes of the local tradition and 1 UNESCO heritage sites.
Upcoming Events & Festivals
Here are the upcoming events in Bari e Dintorni:
Recurring Events
These events take place every year in Bari e Dintorni:
Festa di San Nicola
7-9 maggioBari · Secolare (reliquie dal 1087)
Processione a mare e sagra.
Carnevale di Putignano
26 dicembre - Martedì grassoPutignano · 630+ anni
Il carnevale più antico d'Europa.
Sagra del Polpo
Ultimo weekend luglioMola di Bari · Nata 1964
Polpo in tutte le varianti sul lungomare.
PDO, PGI and local products
The protected-designation products of Bari e Dintorni represent the excellence of the area:
Europe's first PDO bread (2003), made from durum wheat semolina.
Extra virgin oil from three sub-zones: Castel del Monte, Bitonto, and Murgia dei Trulli.
Creamy cheese with a heart of stracciatella.
Sweet and crunchy red onion, cultivated in the red earth lands.
What to eat in Bari e Dintorni
Focaccia topped with cherry tomatoes and olives, an icon of Puglian street food.
Fried polenta triangles, street food of Bari Vecchia.
Bari-style tiella, a baked dish that symbolizes Bari's culinary tradition.
The most iconic dish of Puglian cuisine.
Traditions & Culture
Historical procession, maritime parade, and festival featuring sgagliozze and focaccia.
Europe's oldest carnival (since 1394), famous for its papier-mâché floats.
Terracotta whistles, a centuries-old tradition of Rutigliano.
UNESCO Heritage
Octagonal castle of Frederick II, a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
Nature Parks & Protected Areas
Karst plateau with steppe-like landscapes and Castel del Monte.
Reserve with pristine beaches and wetland areas.
Historical Figures
His relics have been in Bari since 1087, making it a place of Catholic-Orthodox ecumenism.
Born in Polignano a Mare, composer of "Volare" (Nel blu dipinto di blu).
Local Communities
The festivals and events in Bari e Dintorni are organized by Pro Loco associations and local groups that safeguard the area's traditions:
Putignano
Organizzano il Carnevale più antico d'Europa (dal 1394), con maestosi carri in cartapesta che sfilano per le strade.
Mola di Bari
Animano la Sagra del Polpo dal 1964, celebrando il polpo fresco sul lungomare in tutte le varianti.
Altamura
Tutelano il Pane di Altamura DOP, primo pane europeo con denominazione di origine, sfornato nei forni a legna dal Medioevo.
Curiosities
“The Carnevale di Putignano (since 1394) is Europe's oldest and Italy's longest carnival.”
“Pane di Altamura PDO was the first European bread to receive PDO protection.”
“Polignano a Mare hosts the Red Bull Cliff Diving competition.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1What PDO and IGP products can be found in Bari and Surroundings?expand_more
Bari and Surroundings features 4 protected designation products, including: Pane di Altamura (PDO), Olio Terra di Bari (PDO), Burrata di Andria (IGP), and Cipolla Rossa di Acquaviva delle Fonti (Slow Food Presidium).
2What should I eat in Bari and Surroundings?expand_more
Typical dishes of Bari and Surroundings include: Focaccia barese, Sgagliozze, Riso patate e cozze, and Orecchiette alle cime di rapa. Each dish tells the gastronomic story of this territory.
3What UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in Bari and Surroundings?expand_more
Bari and Surroundings is home to 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site: Castel del Monte (Cultural, 1996).
4What are the most famous festivals in Bari and Surroundings?expand_more
Major festivals and events in Bari and Surroundings include: Festa di San Nicola (Bari, May 7-9); Carnevale di Putignano (Putignano, December 26 - Mardi Gras); Sagra del Polpo (Mola di Bari, last weekend of July).
5What natural parks are in Bari and Surroundings?expand_more
Protected natural areas in Bari and Surroundings include: Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia (National Park) and Area Marina di Torre Guaceto (Marine Reserve).
6Who organizes the festivals in Bari and Surroundings?expand_more
Festivals in Bari and Surroundings are organized by local communities including Pro Loco Putignano, Pro Loco Mola di Bari, and Consorzio Pane di Altamura. These associations are the guardians of the territory's gastronomic traditions.