Barletta

Barletta is a town in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani in the Italian region of Apulia (Puglia).

Understand

Barletta has a rich history. Ask locals to tell you stories about the Colossus, La Disfida ("the Challenge"), or the castle.

Get in

Unless you are driving, you will likely arrive by train. From the station, go straight out the main exit and the municipal gardens are one block away. The gardens border Corso Garibaldi, a major thoroughfare. Take it towards the sea (right) to get to the Centro Storico. Before you get there, near the intersection with Corso Cavour, you'll find Barletta's tourist office (0883 33 13 31, Corso Garibaldi 202; M-F 09:00-13:00, 17:00-19:00; 09:00-13:00). They have maps and information.

Get around

Walking will be faster than any local bus. You can also catch a taxi from the train station.

See

• 1 Barletta's Castle. A monument from the epoch of Federico II. It has four corners at the phosphate and around a garden with green space. The castle is an enormous monument. In the castle there is a library, a statue of Federico II, and a cinema at the library. Barletta's castle is a very significant monument for the history of the city.  
• Canne della Battaglia, ☏ +39 0883 51 09 93. 08:30-19:30. Barletta is a few minutes drive from Canne della Battaglia, the site of the Battle of Cannae, a terrible engagement during the Second Punic War. Little sign of the battle remains, but the ancient town of Cannae is slowly being excavated. The site and the antiquarium, containing finds from the necropolis, can both be visited. 
• 2 Colossus, Corso Vittorio Emanuele. The most famous monument in Barletta. It is a statue of a Byzantine Emperor, although it is known locally with the wrong denomination of Heraclius. He is 6 metres tall and weighs 160 kg. The legend says that he was a Barlettan citizen and he was chased away because he was so tall. When the Byzantines arrived in Barletta, he went to the city gate and cried. When the Byzantines asked him why he was crying, he told a lie. He said that he was chased away because he was too short.  
• 3 Pinacoteca Giuseppe de Nittis, Marra Palace, Via Cialdini 75, ☏ +39 0883 57 86 15. Contains a comprehensive selection of the artist's work. de Nittis is one of the few internationally known Italian impressionists and one of Barletta's historical favorite sons.  

Do

Many of the locals spend much of their free time during the summer at the beach. Join them. Avoid spots near the sometimes smelly port.

Buy

For supermarket needs, Ipercoop cannot be beat. It is a five minute walk past the castle along Corso Cavour (which becomes Via Trani).

Eat

• Brigantino. The specialty of the house is seafood, but all the food is very good. It is a very welcoming and beautiful place. 
• Crepes A' Porter (Centro Storico, at the far end of Via Duomo). A great little shop selling French crepes, mostly to go. Most options are sweet, although there are a few savory offerings. 
• Santa Croce. One of the most important pizzerias in Barletta. It is a very old restaurant. It was owned by the rich nobleman Santa (Saint) Croce. The city of Barletta later took possession of the building. Today this is one of the most important historical buildings in Barletta. 
• St. Patrick. A very big, famous restaurant popular with tourists. St. Patrick is an Irish pub and here you can eat roast beef, turkey, and sausages and drink draft Guinness. St. Patrick does excellent pizza and the restaurant is very popular. 

Drink

• Caffè Con Vista. Thriving during the warmer months, this café spreads dozens of tables out at the far end of Via Duomo, with excellent views of both the cathedral and the castle. The food selection is limited, but grabbing a drink and enjoying the view is well worth it. The cafe itself has a bathroom and a second story with a few tables to get away from the churning social scene below. 

Sleep

• B&B De Nittis, vico del Lupo, 9, ☏ +39 0883571310. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 10:00.