Barletta-Andria-Trani: Discover Culture and Landscapes

Castel del Monte in Andria was completed in 1240 and stands on a rocky hill overlooking the Murgia. From this monument to prehistoric sites and architecture by the sea, Barletta-Andria-Trani offers a diverse cultural experience. Museums, birdwatching and a 22-kilometre hiking trail provide further highlights for your trip.

Monuments and archaeological sites

Castel del Monte is considered a unique masterpiece of medieval architecture. Its design brings together cultural elements from Northern Europe, the Muslim world and classical antiquity. Its location on a rocky hill is also part of its character: from there, the monument overlooks the surrounding Murgia landscape.

A much older site is the Dolmen La Chianca in Bisceglie. It is considered the best-preserved example of a passage dolmen set within an elliptical mound from the protohistoric period of the 17th to 15th centuries BC. Its entrance passage is ten metres long. The dolmen is freely accessible; check local information before your visit, as visitor access arrangements may change.

Two different buildings in Trani represent religious architecture and urban history. The Basilica Cattedrale di Trani is considered an outstanding example of Apulian Romanesque architecture. Tourist visits are suspended during religious services, so check visiting arrangements before your visit. Castello di Trani stands by the sea and is considered a symbol of the city’s defence.

Andria Cathedral also preserves religious and historical treasures. It houses the Holy Thorn, traditionally considered to be part of Christ’s crown. The crypt contains two tombs identified as those of Yolande of Brienne and Isabella of England, the wives of Frederick II.

Museums in Canosa and Andria

In Canosa di Puglia, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Canosa di Puglia is located in Palazzo Sinesi, which became its home in 2015. The renewed exhibition explores Canosa’s society between the Archaic and Hellenistic periods. A museum visit thus complements impressions of the historic buildings with a look at the city’s development during these two periods.

The Museo Diocesano San Riccardo in Andria presents the history of the city and its diocese through a chronological tour. The museum offers access to its permanent exhibition route; check the latest visitor information before your visit. Temporary exhibitions and cultural events round out the programme, although individual offerings may change.

Salt landscape and hiking trail

The Salina Margherita di Savoia offers birdwatching along the Sentiero Airone. The salt production process and the work of salt workers are also presented as visitor topics at the site. Check which activities are available before travelling. Salt from Margherita di Savoia is used in cooking and for spa treatments—a local product with a range of uses.

Those who want to explore the Murgia on foot will find a clearly marked route on Percorso H between Andria and Castel del Monte. The hiking trail is 22 kilometres long in total and starts at Chiesa Santa Lucia. By car, it can be reached via the Andria/Barletta exit on the A14; check route conditions before setting out. The trail passes through a typical Murgia landscape with small agricultural plots characterised by olive and almond trees.

When choosing a hotel, you can first decide which activities matter most to you: monuments and museums, birdwatching or hiking each offer a different focus.

Discover more destinations: Margherita Di Savoia, Trani, Canosa Di Puglia, Barletta, San Ferdinando Di Puglia, Lecce, Bari, Taranto.

For the broader travel overview: Apulia.