Trani is a beautiful coastal town located in the Puglia region of Italy, but it is commonly overlooked. The city is know for its picturesque seaport and historic cathedral. Here are 8 things to do while in Trani:
Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino
Visit the Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino: This stunning Romanesque cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is one of Trani’s most iconic landmarks.
Trani Cathedral
The Trani Cathedral sires near the harbor and going towards the castle. It is also referred to as the Cathedral of San Nicolas. It dates back to the 12th century; it was built with sandy, pink stones and has a 60-meter bell tower.
Svevo Castle
This castle sits magestically on the seafront and the views around it are some of the best Trani has to offer. Castello Svevo provides insight into the region’s medieval past. You can enter the castle for 5 euros. Be sure to check to see if it is under construction. If it is we recommend you skip the inside. If you are a huge history buff, you might still want to enter and see the museum inside.
Trani Harbor
Take a stroll along the harbor: Trani’s harbor is a picturesque spot to take a walk and admire the boats and yachts; it is packed with fishing vessels, yachts and private boats. Around the harbor there are restaurants, gelaterias, and cafes galore. Be sure to watch the fisherman come in with their fresh catch!
Jewish Quarter
Visit the Jewish Quarter: Trani has a rich Jewish history and the Jewish Quarter is a must-visit to see the Synagogue and other historic buildings. Scolanova Synagogue is a well-preserved synagogue that is still used today.
Local Cuisine
Try the local cuisine: Puglia is known for its delicious food, and Trani is no exception. Be sure to try some of the fresh seafood, orecchiette pasta, and local wines. Some restaurants to visit are Osteria La Banchina right on the harbor (for seafood and pasta), another harborside restaurant, Osteria La Perla Del Sud (definite to get your seafood fix in Trani), Peschef, and for dessert head for gelato at Bar Gelateria.
Cultural Events
Attend a cultural event: Trani hosts many cultural events throughout the year. Here are some of the cultural events that are held in Trani:
- Trani Jazz Festival: This is a popular music festival that takes place in Trani every summer. It features performances by local and international jazz artists and attracts music lovers from all over the world.
- Festa di San Nicola Pellegrino: This is a religious festival that celebrates the patron saint of Trani, San Nicola Pellegrino. It takes place on May 9th and includes a procession, religious ceremonies, and fireworks.
- Trani Sposi: This is a bridal fair that takes place in Trani every year. It features wedding dress and accessory vendors, catering and event planning companies, and other wedding-related businesses.
- Festival Internazionale del Cortometraggio: This is a short film festival that takes place in Trani every year. It features screenings of short films from around the world and includes workshops and discussions with filmmakers.
- Trani Street Food Festival: This is a food festival that takes place in Trani every year. It features a wide variety of street food vendors offering traditional Puglian dishes and other regional specialties.
- Trani Città Aperta: This is a cultural festival that takes place in Trani every year. It includes art exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, and other cultural events that showcase the city’s rich heritage and contemporary creativity.
These are just a few examples of the many cultural events that take place in Trani throughout the year.
Visit Nearby Towns
Take a day trip to nearby towns: Trani is a great base for exploring the surrounding area, with nearby towns like Barletta, Andria, and Bari within easy reach.
Visit the beach
Trani has a beach. The town’s beach is called “Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo” and it is a long, pebbly beach that is popular with locals and tourists alike. The beach is lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a great spot to spend a day by the sea.
Overall, Trani offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that is sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a cultural experience, Trani is a wonderful destination to explore.
-S&E
