culture Barletta, one of the three chief towns of the BAT province, is famous for its historical event known as the Disfida di Barletta, i.e. the challenge of Barletta dating 1503. During the Spanish domination, a famous battle of 13 French knights against 13 Italian knights took place there. Finally the Italian knights won the fight. In Barletta, too you there’s a Romanesque cathedral, the cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, the first core of the town and together with the Norman-Swabian castle, where Frederick II announced the departure of the 6th crusade in 1228. Of great interest is the 16th century Palazzo della Marra, the only example in this area of a palace recalling the Baroque style from Lecce. Today it has turned into the picture gallery of the impressionistic painter Giuseppe de Nittis, who was born in Barletta, and additionally it has become the seat for other important temporary exhibitions.

FOOD AND WINE Barletta has always been a town of trade and crafts industry. Also fishing is one of its most important resources. It’s possible to taste here many local dishes on fish and seafood basis. In wine production the DOC Rosso Barletta, made of Uva di Troia, Sangiovese and Montepulciano grapes varieties, is worth to be mentioned.






EVENTS-ENTERTAINMENT The challenge of Barletta is the historical commemoration of the battle that took place on February 13th 1503. Every year on the same date, the town goes back to the 16th century and you’ll meet people disguised as ladies-in-waiting, knights, and artists who walk around the old town and perform the events linked to the battle. In the last years, in the old town of Barletta, thanks to the new approach of revaluating the old districts, many young entrepreneurs opened clubs, restaurants, and pubs, which breathe life into its alleys every night.