Trani: jewel of the Adriatic in Puglia — Custom Travel to secret Italy

Have you ever been to a place in Italy that captivates you so completely and makes you feel like you are part of its past? For me there are only a select few that make me feel this way and one in particular stands out among the others: Trani in Puglia.

A secret and picturesque city on the Adriatic coast is one of these gems that draws you in again and again with its many charms. As soon as you arrive, you can instantly feel yourself readjust to the ‘slow living’ that the locals encourage and you can easily find yourself spend hours watching the light wash over the cathedral and play magic tricks with the sea!

Whether I’m sitting in a café facing the charming port where the strong azure of the sky nearly blends in with the sea or finding myself on a bench by the waterfront admiring its imposing cathedral on one side and magnificent castle on the other, I can’t help but think about the people that wandered these same streets and sailed this sea and I’m curious to discover their stories.

Adding to the historical importance of this fascinating city, where even in the present the buildings seem to exude an air of romance, intrigue and mystery, the port of Trani under the Normans during medieval times, was the place where crusaders embarked for the Holy Land after a vigil at the nearby church of Ognissanti.

The Castle of Trani, one of Southern Italy’s Swabian castles, was originally built by the sea as a defense to the city and throughout the centuries it has been witness to so many important events that if walls could speak, they would tell endless tales of pain, suffering and sacrifice.

On 2nd June 1259, the castle, facing the sea, proudly stood witness to a happy event and welcomed the arrival of 8 galleys which brought to Apulia the bride of King Manfred, son of Frederick II, Helena the daughter of the despot Epirus.

It must have been a sight to behold and you can imagine the King warmly embracing her and leading her through the city to everybody’s applause and then taking her to the castle for the wedding celebrations. The castle had now transformed itself into a beacon of light and the night had seemed like day time, as illuminations all around brought hope for the future. Nowadays, the castle hosts many events, particularly during summer, including an evocative re-enactment of Manfred’s wedding that recreates the medieval atmosphere of the time.

Whether you are strolling in the charming public gardens, visiting its 2 major landmarks, the castle and cathedral, or wandering through the centre where you can breathe in history and art at every turn, this city will no doubt leave an indelible memory in your heart and mind. The last time I was there, as I looked at the sunset from my hotel balcony and watched the sun dance on the water, I felt strangely calm and alive and vowed to myself to come back, sure that each visit would bring a different emotion and experience.

Also check out this article on GPSmyCity.com who features self-guided city walks and GPS powered travel articles like this one. Once installed on your smart phone or tablet, the app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide. Each city walk or travel article comes with a detailed travel route plotted on an offline map, so you can explore the local highlights and hidden gems on your own.