Trani

The town of Trani is a port city located on the Adriatic Sea on the coast of Puglia, the heel of Italy's boot. A settlement where modern-day Trani is dates back to at least the 9th century, but may have existed during the ancient Roman era. The city reached its height during the 11th century, and by the 12th century there was a substantial Jewish community there. The town's 13th-century synagogue still stands, and was rededicated as a synagogue in 2006. Among the main sights in Trani are a 13th-century fortress that was once a prison and now holds a museum; the gardens of Villa Comunale; and the 12th-century Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino, which is dedicated to St Nicholas the Pilgrim, a Greek saint, whose remains are in the crypt. Next to the cathedral is a museum of sculptures and items excavated from inside the churches of Trani.

Practical Info

Trani is roughly 25 miles away from Bari by train. It is still a working seaport, which means that in addition to being a tourist destination it's also a real, working Italian town. There are lots of places along the waterfront where you can buy fresh fish, or enjoy it in restaurants.