Presentation: A bronze giant looking at passers-by with austere expression, named Eraclio, stands in the heart of the town to watch over the inhabitants. It’s the town where the famous Challange of Barletta was organized in 1503: according to the tradition, in this occasion Italian patriotism was born, they had to fight against French and they defeated them.
Itinerary: The visit includes a walk by the majestic Castle and the main church and former Cathedral dedicated to St. Mary, a building where Romanesque and Gothic style (a rare element in our area) meet in harmony. The walk continues through the most important streets of the old town (Via Duomo, Via Cialdini, Via Nazareth), the so-called “Cellar of the Challenge”, where according to the tradition Italians and French decided to arrange the fight that made this town renowned all over Italy, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where one of the numerous fragments of the Holy Cross is kept, and finally the symbol of the town, the statue of Eraclio. Alternatively, with a longer tour or forgoing something in the list, you can visit as well 1) the inside of the Castle, with dungeons, terraces and a few exhibitions 2) Della Marra Palace, that has hosted since 2007 an art gallery dedicated to the works of Giuseppe De Nittis, one of the most appreciated Italian Impressionist painters.
Price: € 130.
Not included in the price: If you decide to visit one of the following sites, you have to pay for an entrance fee: Castle: 6€ , Giuseppe De Nittis Art Gallery at Palazzo della Marra: 8€. The ticket for one of these two monuments is also valid to visit the Cellar of the Challenge. One 2c coin is needed to turn on the light for a few minutes and visit the archaeological area underneath the Church of St. Mary.