The most precious treasures of the historic center of Bari are found in the numerous churches of Bari Vecchia. These are not just places of worship – often desecrated – but small temples through which it is possible to learn about science, traditions, and the various dominations that have succeeded each other over time.
By tracing the complete map of these 25 wonderful treasures, one can immerse themselves in a truly evocative and highly interesting journey, even from an architectural point of view.
We will start with the most famous and renowned churches of Bari, before discovering the real hidden treasures that the old city conceals. Not only the famous Cathedral of Bari San Sabino, the Basilica of San Nicola, Sant’Anna, and Santa Scolastica, but much, much more.

1. Cathedral of San Sabino, also known as the Cathedral or Bari Cathedral, is a refined example of Apulian Romanesque architecture. The building stands on the ruins of the ancient Byzantine cathedral, destroyed by the Norman William the Bad, who had ordered the destruction of the entire city. In the subterranean part of the Cathedral, the hypogeum area leads to a journey back in time, discovering the remains of a large Roman civic building and a Byzantine church. Furthermore, every year, during the summer solstice, the miracle of light takes place inside the Cathedral. Sunlight rays pass through the rose window of the facade, projecting a beam of light on the marble mosaic in the central nave.
   Address: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122 Bari BA
   Foundation date: 1292
   Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

2. Second on the list, but certainly not for importance among the churches of Bari, a pilgrimage destination for faithful from all over the world, the Basilica of San Nicola is renowned for housing the relics of San Nicola, which arrived in the city on May 9, 1087, from Mira, present-day Turkey. The building rises on the pre-existing Court of the Catepan (the Greek-Byzantine governor of Southern Italy at the time) and retains the appearance of a fortress in Romanesque style.
   Address: Largo Abate Elia, 13, 70122 Bari BA
   Construction year: 1089
   Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

3. Originally dedicated to Saint Pelagia, today the Church of Sant'Anna in Bari is renowned for being the seat of the homeless confraternities and the place where newborns are blessed. In the Scriptures, Saint Anna is invoked as the protector of pregnant women, who turn to her for a safe childbirth, a healthy child, and sufficient milk to nourish it.
   Address: Str. Palazzo di Città, 63, 70122 Bari BA
   Construction period: 11th century
   Architectural style: Renaissance

4. Hidden among the alleys of Bari’s old town, every Sunday the Church of San Gaetano in Bari Vecchia hosts the celebration of the Ethiopian Orthodox Rite, lasting for as long as 4 hours. A mixture of colors and chants animates the church. Bari’s tradition blends with Orthodox folklore.
   Address: Str. S. Gaetano, 19, 70122 Bari BA
   Construction period: 11th century

5. The ancient monumental complex of Santa Scolastica dates back to the Aragonese era and consists of two buildings: the Church and the monastery, within which lies the Archaeological Museum that houses evidence of over 4000 years of history. The origins of the Church are attributed to the “Black Benedictines”, who, to escape Norman domination, abandoned the convent of the Trinity and found fertile ground in Bari for the foundation of a new monastery dedicated to Santa Scolastica.
   Address: Str. Annunziata, 2, 70122 Bari BA
   Construction period: 11th century

6. The Church of San Marco dei Veneziani is undoubtedly one of the oldest churches in Bari Vecchia, as well as one of the least famous and well-known. It was founded by Bari citizens with the help of Venetian merchants settled in Bari to celebrate the city's liberation from the Saracen threat. Tangible evidence of the relationship between Bari and Venice are the numerous Venetian colonies in Puglia.
   Address: Str. S. Marco, 7, 70122 Bari BA
   Construction year: 1002
   Architectural style: Apulian Romanesque

7. Dating back to the 12th century, the Church of Santa Chiara in Bari and the convent were founded by the Teutonic Knights. In 1492, Pope Innocent VIII, at the request of Ludovico il Moro, entrusted the church to the Clarisses, and it has been called Santa Chiara ever since. After several renovations, the former convent is now used as a soup kitchen.
   Address: Str. Santa Chiara, 70122 Bari BA
   Construction period: 12th century
   Architectural style: Renaissance – Baroque

   8. Chiesa della Vallisa

   Also known by the name "Ravvedise" (from the popular dialect), the Church of the Vallisa in Bari Vecchia was commissioned by the Ravellesi, wealthy merchants from the Amalfi Coast, who settled in the city of Bari. From being called the "Church of the Ravellesi," it later became known as the "Church of the Lavellisti," and finally, it took its current name, "La Vallisa."
   Address: Strada Vallisa, 11, 70122 Bari BA
   Period of construction: 11th century
   Architectural style: Romanesque

   9. Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo
   The Church of Saint Michael the Archangel in Bari is one of the oldest monasteries in Puglia, with its construction dating back to the 17th century, built by the Celestines. Archaeological excavations beneath the church have identified the remains of the legendary Temple of Saint Benedict. According to legend, the crypt hosted the bones of Saint Nicholas in 1087.
   Address: Via San Benedetto, 16, 70122 Bari BA
   Period of construction: 10th century

   10. Chiesa di Santa Teresa dei Maschi
   The Church of Santa Teresa dei Maschi in Bari dates back to the Baroque period and was erected by the Discalced Carmelites in honor of Saint Teresa of Ávila. The name "dei Maschi" (of the men) comes from the need to distinguish it from the pre-existing Church of Santa Teresa delle Donne (of the women). Over the years, it lost its function as a church and was transformed into a cultural space, hosting concerts, art exhibitions, and various events.
   Address: Str. Santa Teresa dei Maschi, 70122 Bari BA
   Year of construction: 1671
   Architectural style: Baroque

   11. Chiesa del SS. Nome del Gesù
   The Church of the Most Holy Name of Jesus is located in the heart of Bari’s Old Town and was commissioned by the Jesuits during the Roman Reformation. The arrival of the new religious Order in the city led to changes in the religious practices of the people of Bari, who began to preach in a more rigid and dogmatic manner.
   Address: Vico Gesuiti, 17, 70122 Bari BA
   Period of construction: 16th century

   12. Chiesa di Santa Maria del Carmine

   The Church of Santa Maria del Carmine in Bari, with its simple and linear façade, features the richness of the lavish marble altars and the bright Baroque paintings from the late 18th century inside.
   Address: Str. del Carmine, 46, 70122 Bari BA
   Period of construction: 17th century

   13. San Gregorio degli Armeni
   San Gregorio degli Armeni is the oldest c