Today we strolled through Bari. First we found a little restaurant to eat breakfast – one that served eggs rather than just sweet pastries. This required a lot of searching! After breakfast we made our way to the Castello Normanno-Svevo through Piazza Mercantile and Piazza del Farrarese. In Piazza Mercantile the Sunday market had been set up and was busy with many vendors and buyers.

When we reached the castle we were pleased to find out that entrance was free for the day. The castle was built around 1132 by Norman King Rogers II and was then destroyed in 1156 by King William I of Sicily. In 1233 it was rebuilt and reinforced by the Holy Roman emperor Frederick II. The castle has gone through many transformations a castle, a prison, military barracks and now it is used for art exhibitions. It was very interesting.

Next we walked through the tiny cobble streets, passed churches and many residences to the ocean where we walked along the sea. We passed the Teatro Petruzzelli which backs onto the ocean. The theatre is a symbol of both Italian musical excellence and architectural beauty. It is the fourth largest theatre in Italy, and the largest private theater in Europe.

From here we ventured onto a large pier where we could view the cityscape and a small private marina where lots of local fishing boats and private yachts were moored.

After a quick cappuccino (yes I tried my first one ever), water break and rest – the European thing to do – we continued our adventure by heading to the Piazza Mercantile for a little entertainment and our supper at L’Osteria del Borgo Antico. Before going in we decided to try some fried polenta that a lady on the street was making – it was very tasty.