Trani, Southern Italy

A Safe Harbour

Sometimes history's choices may seem harsh but with time the greatest injustices may have the best results. Trani was once the most significant and prominent port on the Adriatic Sea. It was the capital of the Apulia province. It was the centre of trade and foremost in importance in its region. However times change and the neighbouring city of Bari gradually overtook Trani in prominence and stature. The result is a small city or large town which is all about its harbour, its fishing industry, its gentle pace and its waterfront with its unbeatable picturesque appeal.







In Trani you will want to stroll, to observe, to photograph. The waterfront park is a peaceful and attractive spot. The harbour is full of a mixture of pleasure crafts and fishing boats. The seafood is of course the freshest.









Each morning the waterfront comes alive as the fishing fleet returns to port. Umbrellas are raised against the rising sun - or sometimes the rain, - and the catch is sold to those who come to buy. Here you will see sole, globy, benny, pipefish - all caught in the early hours of the morning; -  the freshest of fish available to you - but more likely to the local restaurants where you will eat and enjoy.

Trani Cathedral overlooks the waterfront adding height and grandeur to the ever-changing sea front. It is a twelfth century cathedral, significant for its sensitive proportions and tall tower which overlooks the harbour and can be seen through unexpected view-shafts throughout the town.

Trani is not a place of spectacular tourism or outstanding sights, but it is a casual friendly town of manageable proportions where it is easy to simply hang out and feel very much at home. Additionally it is a town of great beauty with a harbour of exceptional drama, surrounded by buildings from multiple centuries, all gathered together to create a street-scape which is unpretentious but authentic.











Trani is not essentially a tourist town. It is a town where you can meld in with the locals and gain an understanding of daily life in small-town southern Italy as the locals go about their business. This pretty town will welcome you as you enjoy and explore the area, but do not expect a town catering to the tourist trade. Rather, expect to gradually assimilate. Given time you may be treated as a local, -  a true chance to understand the spirit of southern Italy,

Also Pip McCurdy's New Zealand posts:

On Blogspot, Pip McCurdy on the Road

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