Trani - The "Pearl Of Puglia"

Trani is a town in the south of Italy that is often known as the “Pearl of Puglia” and it is easy to see why it draws comparisons to precious materials.

The beautiful town is made up of whitewashed buildings against impossibly blue waters and skies that turn vibrant pinks and oranges as the sun sets.

It is a sophisticated and elegant place that attracts tourists used to the good life who sit in the marina-side bars and gaze across the yachts and fishing boats after spending days wandering the historic centre, past the palazzi, stone streets and mediaeval churches.

If you want to get a taste of it for yourself, just choose one of our vacation rentals in Puglia and spend lazy days in this stunning seaport town.

As Trani isn't a particularly touristy town, you won't find lots of typical tourist attractions as you might in other Italian towns. However, there is still plenty to keep you occupied, see and do.

Wandering around, taking in the outstanding views, swimming in the crystal clear waters, enjoying good food and company, exploring the historic buildings and enjoying the quiet pace of life make for very rewarding activities.

The Cattedrale di San Nicola Pellegrino, with its spectacular seaside location and striking silhouette, is well worth a visit. Dating to the twelfth century, this Romanesque gem is dedicated to St. Nicholas the Pilgrim and features rose windows, an impressive campanile, bronze doors (now displayed inside) by local artist, Barisano da Trani, an older church beneath the one that stands above today with some remaining Byzantine frescoes and parts of a 12th-century mosaic showing Alexander the Great and Adam and Eve.

Similarly, the fortress, Castello Svevo, is another seaside historic building that impresses visitors. Dating to 1249, it is one of the castles that were built in southern Italy by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. There isn't really much to see inside, though it does house occasional exhibitions and events, however, a wander around the exterior is a must for those visiting the town.

Other architectural gems include the fifteenth-century Palazzo Caccetta on Via Ognissanti, which belongs to the council; the Chiesa di Ognissanti, a twelfth-century church built by the Knights Templar; and the nineteenth-century public gardens of the Villa Comunale.

The best thing to do in Trani, however, is very little of anything at all. It is the perfect place in Italy to relax, forget your worries and the rest of the world and merely focus on enjoying the here and now.