6 Barletta and Trani

First lunch in Barletta.... then the afternoon of this day was spent touring with Raffaella in Trani. Trani is an historic seaport of Apulia, southern Italy, between Bari and Barletta on the Adriatic coast - an old-fashioned seaside Italy: historic buildings fading with casual charm, boats in the harbour and sleepy dogs lazing in the midday sun by the deserted waterfront. The town has recently become one of the capital cities of the new Province of Barletta-Andria-Trani.

The Cattedrale di San Nicola Pellegrino dominates the seashore from a spectacular position at the water's edge. Dating to the twelfth century, the cathedral is dedicated to St. Nicholas the Pilgrim, a different St. Nicholas to the famous saint venerated in nearby Bari. The building is one of the most renowned sights of Puglia. The building has several levels: beneath the main church is an older one dedicated to Santa Maria della Scala, with some remaining Byzantine frescoes. At a still lower level is a chamber said to date to the sixth century. The church's main crypt contains the remains of the saint.

Walking around Trani we also caught the arrival of a local fishing boat, which off-loaded its daily catch, and that was quickly purchased by many of the local residents. Be sure to see the video of the catch!

The day was capped of with a wonderful dinner at the home of Raffaella and Carmine, with their children.