Things to Do at Cattedrale di San Sabino

The Cattedrale di San Sabino sits quietly in Bari's old town, and honestly, it's one of those churches that might surprise you with how genuinely moving it feels inside. Built in the 12th century on the ruins of an earlier Byzantine cathedral, it's got that beautiful Apulian Romanesque style that you'll start recognizing once you spend time in this part of Italy. The facade is relatively understated compared to some of the more flashy cathedrals you might have seen, but there's something appealing about its honest stonework and the way it seems to emerge naturally from the medieval streets around it. What makes San Sabino particularly interesting is how it manages to feel both grand and intimate at the same time. The interior has this lovely sense of space without being overwhelming, and you'll find yourself noticing details - like the beautiful rose window that filters light in the most wonderful way, or the ancient columns that were actually salvaged from earlier structures. It's the kind of place where you might find yourself sitting for longer than you planned, just taking in the atmosphere.

The cathedral sits dead center in Bari Vecchia's medieval maze. Walking from the train station takes 15 minutes-head to the waterfront, then dive into the old town's narrow stone streets. Forget driving here. The old town banned most cars years ago. This forces you to approach exactly as pilgrims did centuries ago: on foot through winding passages that haven't changed much since they were laid. The restriction works well. You can't rush past the details when you're walking at medieval speed.