Itinerary

1. BARLETTA Private Tour: the town of challenge

   • Discover Barletta starting with a visit to the medieval castle of the eleventh century, founded by the Normans and expanded by the Spanish in the sixteenth century. Charles V had the building expanded again, and the four massive bastions were added to create the present fortress form.
   • Next, visit a historic  Cellar of the Challenge, a former prison for galley slaves called the "House of Poison", is the building now known as the "Winery of the Challenge".
   • It was here that was launched the challenge to a duel from 13 italian knights vs 13 French knights, fought in the countryside of the neighboring town of Trani.
   • After the cellar, you will discover the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore of the twelfth century, the most important church in Barletta.The cathedral is divided into two parts: the front is typically of the Romanesque architectural style of the twelfth century, while the final part is of the Gothic architectural style of the fourteenth century.
   • It is an example of the fusion of Gothic and Roman styles. In its interior, at a lower level, are grotticella tombs from the 3rd century BC, over which is the Palaeo-Christian basilica (6th century AD), with another basilica being added to that in the 9th century. In the 12th century a new building was erected in Romanesque style, being consecrated in 1267; this was renovated in the Gothic style in the 14th century.
   • The walking tour continues in the historic center up to the palace of baroque architecture called "Della Marra" with Giuseppe De Nittis Art Gallery (visit on request)

   The tour ends at the Colossus of Barletta: a large bronze statue of a Roman Emperor named Eraclio.