We couldn’t visit Puglia without experiencing Trani, the Pearl of Puglia, a small coastal fishing village.
We put on our research hats and found Trani was only 30 minutes away from Bari by train. It was easy to book online using our trusty Trainline app, and with trains leaving every 30 minutes, the wait was minimal; we were there by lunch.
Trani has a sophisticated feel. The marina is where you can promenade and watch the white yachts and fishing boats in the harbour. At the same time, the historic centre, with its medieval churches, glossy limestone streets, the historic Jewish quarter, and faded yet charming palazzi, is a beautiful area to explore. The cathedral, pale against the deep-blue sea, is the town's most arresting sight.
During transit, we made sure to google our way to the perfect restaurant for a slow lunch and hit the jackpot! Gallo Restaurant was where you were welcomed with positive and warm energy upon arriving. We were fortunate to secure a table of four without a booking.
The wine list was epic, and the service was impeccable, working seamlessly together. Primarily, it is a seafood restaurant, with all the local catches of the day on display for selection. All the dishes we experienced, from the appetiser to the first course, main course, and desserts, were divine. You can’t go wrong!
Inside the restaurant, the stone interior transports you to another era. Sit at the front and enjoy the beautiful views of the Adriatic and the local fisherman lifestyle.
After a long, lazy lunch, the rain had decided to join us, but it slowed enough for us to take the streets and explore the quaint village.
We wandered around the water's edge to visit the Trani Cathedral overlooking the Adriatic. This dramatic seafront cathedral is dedicated to St Nicholas the Pilgrim, a Greek Christian who wandered through Puglia crying 'Kyrie eleison' ('Lord, have mercy'). First thought to be a simpleton, he was posthumously revered after several miracles attributed to him occurred. Construction of the cathedral started in 1097 on the site of a Byzantine church and was completed in the 13th century.
Although this teaser only provided a small sample of the Puglia region, it was ample enough to make it on the travel list for those who want to discover and unwrap the area more extensively.
Comments