Bari, capital of Orthodox and Catholic religions

Se Parigi tenesse lu mer, sarebbe una piccola Ber (literally means: “If Paris had got the sea, it would have been like Bari”).

This motto says a lot about the baresita’, which is the attitude of people of Bari to life.

I have been in Bari last time almost two years ago.

Yesterday, I have had chance to visit again this vibrating city. 

I have been living near Bari for almost four years.

I have got so many friends from Bari. People is very friendly there.

Bari is the capital of the Apulian region.

Bari is very similar to Naples. 

These are the biggest cities of the south of Italy, islands excluded.

There is a lot to say about Bari.

However, today I desire to write about San Nicola, and the devotion of both Orthodox and Catholics.

Due to the fact that Bari hosts the San Nicola’s relics, Bari is the destination of thousands of Orthodox pilgrims.

The skeleton of San Nicola was stored in Myra, Turkey.

However, when Muslims took over Turkey, 62 fishermen departed from Bari with the precise aim to steal the miraculous relics of the saint.

By the way, this is a typical example of baresita’.

They were quicker than Venetians, who also would have liked to put their hands on it.

It happened in 1087.

I have visited the cathedral, amazing example of Romanico-Pugliese.

After having seen that, I walk 200 metres further in Bari vecchia...

...till I come across the outstanding Basilica di San Nicola, another beautiful example of Romanico-Pugliese.

This stunning church hosts the relics of San Nicola.

I went in, then, I headed to the underground chapel. 

My surprise was very big when I saw the small chapel filled with almost 2 or even 3 hundred Orthodox pilgrims.

I was so enchanted by the spiritual atmosphere.

I was struck by seeing the believers together, almost attached one another.

They seemed to me like one body. One body, one soul.

They were singing a beautiful song, of which I just picked the word “Nicola”.

I even saw some people crying.

I spent there 20 minutes, however, I would have like to spend much more time.

Once again, I was just so fascinated by the touching atmosphere which I have breathed there.

They reminded me the first Christians who used to gather in catacombs. I am pretty sure that the engagement was the same.

Outside the marvellous Basilica di San Nicola, there is a statue of San Nicola donated by the Vladimir Putin in 2003.

Bari can rightly be considered as city of peace and fraternity.

Please click here, should you wish to view more pics

When art is outdoor, the example of Troia (Foggia)

Today I am going to visit the Cathedral of Troia, an unbeatable example of Romanico-Pugliese.

I take advantage of the fact that I am located on temporary basis in Manfredonia.

In order to reach Troia, I head to Foggia.

Troia was called Troja till the beginning of the last century. It has the same name of the Homeric town Troy.

However, during the Roman age, its name was Aecae. Then, In 1019, the Byzantine Catapano Basilio 

Bojoannes, changed it to Troia, after having rebuilt the town destroyed by the war between Longobards and Byzantines.

After having reached Foggia, I follow the indications for Troia, which is actually just 13 miles beyond Foggia.

While I drive on, I realize that the landscape is changing. Troia is located on the Monti Dauni.

I see around hills, covered by vineyards.

Uva di Troia is a red wine grape from which is made the fruity wine Nero di Troia. This grape is cultivated mainly in the provinces of Foggia and BAT.

As I am few miles from Troia, I see two men awaiting a bus. They look like workers, and they are probably tired.

Therefore, I stop there. Then, I look at the rear-view mirror.

They seem to hesitate, so I just drive in reverse to ask them if they need a lift.

“yes please” they say.

Once in, they enquiry: “where do you come from?” I reply: “I come from Manfredonia. I am just heading to Troia to see its renowned cathedral.”

They look pretty glad of having been picked up.

We start talking about wine and olive oil.

The younger, Renato says: “I choose carefully what I eat. Do you read the news?” He adds: “some people work their entire life, then, they die as soon as they retire. I believe, this is due to the fact the there is an abuse of agrochemicals.” He says.

Once in Troia, Renato offers me a coffee to return the favor.

“go straight on, the cathedral is just 5 minutes walking” he says.

I have always liked people from the countryside or small villages. They have a sense of humanity that it is rare to find in the big city.

Once in front the cathedral, I gape myself.

I had never seen so far a rosone as beautiful as this one.

It seems to be made of silk or cotton, and not of stone.

What strikes me is the alternating color of the stones, white and green.

Symbols are everywhere: stars, crescent-shaped and so on.

Another interesting element of this church is represented by the two bronze doors, which are very unusual in Italy.

I spent almost one hour contemplating the cathedral.

From my point of view, this is the most beautiful example of Romanico-Pugliese so far.

If you wish to see more pictures, please click here