10 must - do things in Molfetta

Touring Puglia Region, I take you to discover this city stretched halfway between sea and land, which over the years has built a symbiotic relationship with the sea considered a source of life and livelihood.

In order to best understand the life of one of the oldest seaside villages on the Apulian coast, one need only take any means, public or private, to reach it.

We are in Molfetta. A city in Puglia Region in the province of Bari that counts among its fellow citizens Gaetano Salvemini, historian and great southerner, and Riccardo Muti, outstanding conductor. Logistically well connected, it can be reached by treno, highway and is only a few kilometers from Bari airport.

From My Column "A portata di Manu" I offer you ideas and itineraries but also things to do if you are coming to these parts, even on a day trip, whether you are a foreign visitor or a tourist at home.

If you are planning your vacation in Puglia or simply live in Puglia but in another geographic area and don't have at least one friend, or a friend of a friend, to call for some tips, you are in the right place. Follow my suggestions.

You can visit the most historic karst doline, il Pulo di Molfetta che is located only 2 km from the town, inside there are several tree species as well as archaeological and geological relics.

It is considered the symbol of the city. It is one of the largest churches in the Apulian Romanesque style.

Behind the Cathedral, it is possible to dive into the urban beach of Cala Sant'Andrea, a small sandy cove within walking distance, also accessible for the disabled in summer where it is possible to train with the Sup.

If you are an incurable romantic and the sunset is your favorite color, I recommend climbing the Passari Tower to swear eternal love or friendship.

Our Lady of Martyrs is the co-patron saint of the city, the shrine outside the town is dedicated to her. In my opinion this is a magical place, if you are looking for a place to find peace for the soul you are in the right place: theOspedaletto dei Crociati of the Basilica of Our Lady of Martyrs .

The garden is very well-kept inspires moments of reflection, prayer and reconciliation. An atmosphere that turns from mystical to festive and popular from September 7 to 9 each year when the neighborhood and the entire city celebrates the patron saint with the Sagra a Mare

Our Lady of Martyrs is the city's co-patron saint. During the summer, the city center is transformed into an elegant open-air cultural salon, where Conversations from the Sea has been held for the past seven years, a free-entry current affairs review where journalists and TV personalities present books and talk about current affairs.

The bell tower of the Baroque church of St. Peter, located in the old town of Molfetta, is of particular beauty especially when glimpsed from a distance as it soars among the rooftops of the old town's residences. The church houses a monastery of cloistered nuns inside.

 The lighthouse is the oldest in the Adriatic.

The port of Molfetta, on the other hand, has always been an important commercial hub and is the most important from a fishing point of view in the entire lower Adriatic; it seems no coincidence that the old cathedral, a grandiose example of Apulian architecture, overlooks the port.

(for reports of some of these tasty gastronomic offerings I thank the Proloco of Molfetta , which has urged me in recent months to try them). Molfetta is also quality cuisine I suggest you do not miss:

 -Chotto Chotto, if you want to taste fresh fish interpreted in a fusion style with typical Apulian ingredients you can make a reservation here. Its cuisine reinforces a link between Japan and Puglia. Fabulous sushi with sea urchin and Pad Thai (among the best eaten in places other than Tailandi)

 - SuperSantos Family If you love quality meat burgers with a creative twist, this is the place for you. It is located in Town Hall Square and is ideal for dining under a starry sky with good craft beers.

- “La Chiazzod” for Lovers of good wine and typical cold cuts and cheese boards. It really is a very pretty wine bar perched on a small square. You can eat outdoors even in winter. The owner has thoughtfully provided plaids for his customers to make dining more comfortable.

 - Cantine Pop Also in the heart of the historic center on Via Piazza, this is a wine bistro where you can eat among the works of art for lunch and dinner. It offers an eclectic menu ranging from Mediterranean flavors to fusion cuisine with more than 150 wine labels.

- Guyot Enobistrot. For a fine selection of fine meats in the historic center.

- Sapemore vegetarian proposal with Greek and alternate recipes.