While technology takes over our modern day and promises something new every morning, it’s tempting to take a step back from time to time and realize how far we’ve come as a species! As one of the oldest inhabited places Italian soil has held the secrets of our common history since it was first colonized in 2000 BC and the museums in Bari, Italy showcase this journey one fossil at a time.
10 museums in bari
From clothing and ethnographic museums to museums containing Neanderthal skeletons, here are some of the great museums in Bari that you must visit on your trip to Italy.
1. State Archaeological Museum
As part of the Axis powers during World War II, Italy suffered heavy losses of life and property. While trying to get back on their feet, the community around this museum in the province of Bari found some evidence of the Pusazio settlement. A Neanderthal skeleton, believed to be that of Altamura Man, was found shortly after the museum was built and continues to fascinate history buffs and tourists alike. Some other notable artefacts include the relief cross and the Cover of Piscid.
Place: Via Santaremo in Colle, 88, 70022 Altamura BA, Italy
Time: Monday-Friday: 8 am to 7:45 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 8 am – 1:45 pm
entrance fees: Free
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2. National Archaeological Museum of Gioia del Colle
If you can imagine “living in a city” in the 3rd century, this is the museum for you. Although there were no cities at the time, social structures and gender roles existed and this Norman-Swabian castle gives an insight into the everyday lives of men, women and children. From toys made of bronze to weapons made of iron, your journey into the age of discovery begins here.
Place: Piazza Martiri del 1799,1, 70023 Gioia del Colle BA, Italy
Time: Monday-Sunday: 8:30 am to 7:30 pm
entrance fees: About. INR 405
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3. Cola Cola Laboratory
Like most people, the first look of these terracotta figurines inspired by various themes like satyrs, zoomorphic and traditional crafts would lead you to believe that these are toys for children, but wait until you hear the background story. Originally designed as whistle models by the Logliński brothers, these pieces can be your version of taking back home a part of Gravina’s local tradition.
Place: Piazza Papa Benedetto XIII 24, 70024 Gravina in Puglia, Italy
Time: Monday-Friday: 10:30 am to 6:30 pm
Saturday: 10 am to 7 pm
Sunday: 10 am to 8 pm
4. Jatta National Museum
As soon as you enter the Jatta National Museum, you get the feeling that it is old. With four rooms filled with artifacts that tell stories from Greek mythology, one can barely begin to fathom the origins of this folktale that has been passed down from generation to generation. So the next time you start reading about Apollo composing poetry or Poseidon’s anger causing a high tide, stop for a moment and ask yourself how these pieces of fiction made their way into the beliefs of the ancient Greeks ?
Place: Piazza Bovio, 35,70037 Ruvo di Puglia BA, Italy
Time: Monday – Sunday: except 8:30 am – 1:30 pm
Thursday and Saturday: 8:30 am – 7:30 pm
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5. Corrado Giaquinto Art Gallery
If you like old-fashioned things with some brushwork, the Pinacoteca Corrado Giaquinto is one of the best museums in Bari to find inspiration for your next masterpiece. Ranging from paintings of everyday life by contemporary artists to paintings of 16th-century churches in Venice, this museum captures the things that selfies fail to do these days. Although you might have difficulty rolling your tongue and naming most of the painters correctly, this place will definitely impress you in more ways than one.
Place: Via Spalato, 19 Lungomare N. Soro, 4th Floor, 2770121 Bari BA, Italy
Time: Tuesday-Saturday: 9 am to 7 pm
Sunday: 9 am to 1 pm
entrance fees: around 250 rupees
6. Mudima – Museo Diocesano Matroni Altamura
Although it may look like a cathedral from the outside, step into Mudima to see some of Italy’s most unique sights. Inaugurated in 2016, this centuries-old building bears witness to the artistic and historical development of Italy since the 15th century. With five large sections of artefacts, each featuring the materials used to create it, watch history move from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age and finally the Iron Age, all within the confines of a single room.
Place: Arco Duomo, 1,70022 Altamura BA, Italy
Time: Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 1pm, 3pm – 6pm
Sunday: 10am – 1pm, 4pm – 7pm
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7. Sovereign Trullo
As the only trullo with a high floor, Trullo Sovarano is credited with introducing modern architects to the 19th-century dry stone huts with conical roofs. With a garden adorning the front door, this 2 bedroom home with a pantry and secondary kitchen also has a guest bedroom on the first floor. Now converted into a house museum, visitors can take away a copy of “Recipes of typical Apulian cuisine” or “Proverbs of Puglia” from the book shop.
Place: Piazza Sacramento, 10,70011 Alberobello BA, Italy
Time: Monday – Sunday: 10am – 1:15pm, 3:30pm – 6:30pm
entrance fees: about 125 rupees
8. Ettore Pomarici Santomassi Foundation Museum
9 outfits with fashion from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century, the Swabian castle of Frederick II and currency from the 6th century, whether you’re looking for some inspiration for your OOTD or just want to steal some cultural insight from the Holy Roman Empire of the 1220s, Or you are wondering how the concept of money came into human society, then you will definitely get more answers than you asked for. Recognized by the Municipality of Gravina as a part of its cultural heritage, make time for this museum during your stay in Bari.
Place: Via Museo, 2070024 Gravina, Puglia BA, Italy
Time: Tuesday – Sunday: 9am – 1pm, 4pm – 8pm
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9. Cantina Albia Winery & Museum
Often described as one of Bari’s most unique museums, the Cantina Albia Winery and Museum is less a museum and a more cheerful place. With little help from humans, the winemaking process is mostly natural and well taken care of by the yeasts. Pick up some winemaking knowledge or just wander, smell and sip, we don’t judge!
Place: Via Due Macelli, 8-70111, Alberobello, Italy
Time: Monday – Friday: 9am – 12:30pm, 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Saturday and Sunday: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
10. Diocesan Museum
If holy books and ancient religious scrolls interest you, find yourself caught up in the mystery of the scriptures and texts preserved at the Museo Diocesano. The walls of the museum are decorated with paintings from the medieval era and Italian collectors are believed to have been attracted by Fileri jewellery. The highlight of the visit is the “Rotole” which are believed to be illustrated religious scrolls from the 11th century. To add to its spirituality, there is the Cathedral of St. Sabina on the first floor.
Place: Via dei Dottula, 70122, Bari, Italy
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Now if you think Italy is all about Venice and pizza, think again! Contact TourTravelHotels for a customized itinerary with never-before-seen destinations based on your interests. These Bari museums are a real gift for those who are interested in history. Although they are not the only thing you should see in the port city, you should definitely visit them on your trip to Italy.
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