The Cathedral of Trani
One cannot but start with the city's iconic symbol; the cathedral. Dedicated to Nicola Pellegrino and built of the whitest limestone, Trani's mother church presents itself in a breathtakingly scenic guise, thanks to the striking balcony overlooking the sea. A postcard-perfect place that leaves the visitor amid mute reflections and thoughts.
A building of unique artistic beauty. Trani's cathedral's exterior features a fine bronze portal that in itself combines elements belonging to different styles: from Romanesque, to Byzantine with Saracen influences. The bell tower, with its 60-meter height stands out solemn and proud.
The best time to see it in all its beauty is at sunset when the building lights up in a blaze of warm and intense hues and the sea makes the moment even more magical and contemplative.
The Castle
Not far from the cathedral, still on the coast, stands the imposing Swabian castle of Trani. Built at the behest of the Stupor Mundi in the first half of the 1200s, it is strategically located. For centuries it was one of the landmarks of Frederick's castle system and hosted the second wedding of Frederick II's son Manfred.
The maritime fortress is also finely decorated inside, even taking up the elements common to the cathedral.
Noteworthy is the castle's central courtyard, a collector of strong historical evidence, most present in the decorations of some of the corbels placed inside the courtyard, on which various biblical scenes can be seen.
The Historic Center of Trani and its buildings
Trani's historic center, small and concentrated in narrow alleys, is a veritable condensation of art and history. Walking through its streets one encounters the city's most important noble palaces such as Palazzo Surdo, Palazzo Covelli and Palazzo Lopez.
Prominent among them is the "Beltrani" Palace of Arts, just a few steps from the Cathedral and the Swabian Castle. Once home to Trani's most important noble families, it is now a cultural venue that hosts events and sharing spaces. On the second floor of the palace is the "Ivo Scaringi" picture gallery, where masterpieces by the master are on display.
Trani's Jewish Quarter, on the other hand, has preserved intact its dark, narrow streets and is a fascinating reminder of what life must have been like for the city's Jewish community. In Trani, in fact, there were four synagogues that were gradually transformed into Christian churches during the '500s.
Returning to Trani's Jewish community, we know for sure that it was perfectly integrated into the social fabric of the city, at least for a period. Its Giudecca, in fact, unlike other regional and national Jewish neighborhoods is an open space completely incorporated into Trani's historic center.
Of the four synagogues once present, only two remain, still functioning and open to visitors. The Great Synagogue, today is the museum of Sant'Anna, while the other, the Scolanova Synagogue, has recently returned to its original function.
The Jewish temple, built in the 13th century, fulfilled its role until the 16th century, a time when Jews were driven out of the city and the building was converted. Today, returned to its origins, it represents the most important evidence of the ancient Jewish quarter.
The Port of Trani
If you love places with decadent and real charm, you cannot finally miss the marina of Trani. An ancient city trading center, it is still one of the main gathering places for the Tranesi.
Here you can enjoy many seafood specialties, peering at the horizon and being enchanted by the reflections of the boats on the water and the intense and contrasting colors. The ideal place for a nice walk in the beauty of the sunset.
If the idea of a trip to the pearl of the Adriatic enchants you, you just have to book your ideal rental solution in the city: in the catalog of Barbarhouse you can find many properties such as La casa bianca, a vacation villa right on the beach of Trani.
