Day 01
Barletta and the Town of the Challenge
- Discover Barletta, starting with a visit to the 11th-century medieval castle, founded by the Normans and expanded by the Spanish in the 16th century. Charles V later enlarged the building again, and the four massive bastions were added to create its present fortress form.
- Next, visit the historic Cellar of the Challenge. Once a prison for galley slaves known as the "House of Poison," this building is now called the "Winery of the Challenge."
- It was here that the challenge to a duel was launched between 13 Italian knights and 13 French knights, later fought in the countryside near the neighboring town of Trani.
- After the cellar, discover the 12th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, the most important church in Barletta. The cathedral is divided into two parts: the front is typically Romanesque in style from the 12th century, while the final part is Gothic in style from the 14th century.
- It is a fine example of the fusion of Gothic and Roman styles. Inside, at a lower level, are grotticella tombs from the 3rd century BC, above which stands the Palaeo-Christian basilica from the 6th century AD, followed by another basilica added in the 9th century. In the 12th century, a new Romanesque building was erected and consecrated in 1267, then renovated in the Gothic style during the 14th century.
- The walking tour continues through the historic center to the baroque Palazzo Della Marra, home to the Giuseppe De Nittis Art Gallery (visit on request).
The tour ends at the Colossus of Barletta, a large bronze statue of the Roman Emperor Eraclio.
