Inclusive Bari

A comprehensive journey through Bari’s thousand-year history, Baroque architecture, underground archaeology, and the scents and flavors of its seafront.

09:00 – 11:00 | The Great Churches of Bari Vecchia and the Old Town

What to visit: The tour begins at the majestic Basilica of San Nicola, a symbol of the city. Wheelchair access is provided via the convenient ramp on the left side. Inside, visitors can explore the central nave, the Baroque ceiling decorated with pure gold, and the crypt housing the Saint’s relics. The tour then continues to the Cathedral of San Sabino, an extraordinary example of Apulian Romanesque architecture, fully accessible without barriers. Inside, visitors can admire the famous “Trullo” (the dome) and the mosaic flooring.

Accessibility Focus: Qualified guides equipped with tactile maps and three-dimensional models enable blind and visually impaired visitors to perceive the architectural forms of the Romanesque façades. LIS (Italian Sign Language) interpreters are available upon request.

11:00 – 12:30 | The Norman-Swabian Castle and Piazza Mercantile

What to visit: An indoor and outdoor visit to the Norman-Swabian Castle, an ancient fortress renovated by Frederick II. The castle is equipped with ramps, elevators, and wheelchair-accessible paved routes providing access to the Gipsoteca (plaster cast gallery) and temporary exhibitions. The tour then continues with a walk through the political heart of old Bari: Piazza Mercantile aond Piazza Ferrarese, where visitors can admire the Palazzo del Sedile and the historic Colonna della Giustizia (known as the Column of Infamy), featuring a stone lion statue.

Accessibility Fcus: The squares are completely flat, with ample maneuvering space and smooth stone paving that minimizes vibrations for wheelchair users.

12:30 – 13:30 | The Orecchiette Workshop in “Underground Bari” (Via Arco Basso)

What to do: A stop on Via Arco Basso, the famous “street of orecchiette,” where local women prepare fresh pasta outdoors. Visitors can take part in a workshop held in a fully accessible ground-floor venue, learning the traditional art of shaping fresh pasta.

Accessibility Focus: A highly sensory and hands-on activity, ideal for actively involving people with visual and cognitive disabilities.

13:30 – 15:30 | Traditional Bari-Style Lunch

What to do: Lunch at a historic tavern or partner restaurant in the old town.

Accessibility Focus: A certified barrier-free venue with an accessible bathroom and tables at a suitable height for wheelchair users. Menus are available in Braille, in large print for visually impaired guests, and via QR code for listening through text-to-speech technology.

15:30 – 17:30 | Teatro Petruzzelli and the Murat District

What to visit: A move towards 19th-century Bari for a visit to Teatro Petruzzelli, the largest private theatre in Europe, renowned for its Pompeian-red façade and lavish interiors rebuilt after the fire. The theatre has dedicated entrances, elevators, and reserved seating in the stalls. Afterwards, a short walk along the elegant Via Sparano and past the magnificent Palazzo Mincuzzi, a masterpiece of the Art Nouveau style.

Accessibility Focus: The sidewalks in the Murat district are equipped with flush ramps and tactile paving (LOGES) to assist visually impaired visitors with orientation.

17:30 – 19:00 | The Monumental Nazario Sauro Seafront and the Provincial Palace

What to visit: A panoramic walk along the famous monumental seafront, one of the longest in Italy. A stop to admire the monumental-style buildings dating from the 1930s, followed by a visit to the Metropolitan Art Gallery “Corrado Giaquinto” (located inside the Provincial Palace and fully accessible via elevators), which houses masterpieces of Apulian and Venetian art, including works by Tintoretto and Bellini.

Accessibility Focus: The seafront offers a completely straight and flat route, with large shaded areas and benches at regulation height for frequent rest stops

19:00 – 20:00 | Inclusive Final Aperitivo on the Seafront

What to do: The day concludes at the historic San Nicola pier, known by locals as “N’derr’a la lanz,” a traditional meeting point for local fishermen. Enjoy an outdoor aperitivo at an accessible seafront venue, with warm Bari-style focaccia and local drinks.