Trani, unique views and Mediterranean cuisine

Trani is an Apulian town of about 55,200 inhabitants, the capital, together with the two neighboring centers of Barletta and Andria, in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani. It overlooks the Adriatic 42 km north of Bari, positioning itself at 7 m. SlM close to an inlet, an ancient mouth of a river, in which the port is located. Trani, which according to legend owes its name to Tirreno, son of Diomede, from whom it was founded, has origins dating back to the Bronze Age and definitive expansion in Roman times. But its golden period is linked to the Middle Ages during which, having become a bishopric, the city consolidated itself as a strategic port for trade with the East. Today the riches of the city, in addition to tourism, are the Quarries of the Stone of Trani and the production of a Moscato, and an Extra Virgin Olive Oil of the highest quality, known everywhere. Starting from the port area, among its monuments the first one you encounter is the jewel of the village, the Duomo, known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta or, commonly, San Nicola Pellegrino, patron saint of the city, a majestic church in Apulian Romanesque style built in 1100 using the stone of Trani, which rises majestically in front of the sea, allowing it to be glimpsed even from the passage under the bell tower. Opposite, still in the port area, there is the Castle of Trani, dating back to the Swabian period, the XIII. Also worth visiting is the Villa Comunale, with a garden in which it is possible to find a wide range of vegetative types. Try the Tranese cuisine, simple and genuine, based on local products and ancient Apulian recipes, fully reflecting Mediterranean cuisine. Apulian orecchiette with turnip tops or with mussels and clams, sea bream from Puglia, anchovy arracanate and baked ziti alla tranese are just some of the specialties of the place, to be accompanied absolutely with the famous local muscat.