Adventure

The Journey Home 2023 — Bari

Halfway through our trip found us in Bari. We took the train from Taranto, about 90 minutes and very reasonable at about 9 Euros per person. The train was spotless inside and out and very comfortable. We could have walked from the train to our B & B, but it’s good that we did not as we would have gotten lost in the old city. Even with the taxi dropping us off it took some time to find our place. It is a real twisty old town filled with alleys. Eventually, we would take the sea walk to get back to the B & B, but by the third day we were able to find our way around!

We had a nice little store across the street, however the locals were pretty loud at night

Once we got the lay of the land, Bari was much more enjoyable than we expected. It was only a short walk to an array of fine restaurants and to via Sparano, which I liken to 5th Ave in NYC, but even better as it is pedestrians only for about a mile. There is also an other pedestrian street adjacent to via Sparano.

Via Sparano is full of high end shops, gelato and pastries. You won’t go hungry in Bari that is for certain. By the way, I went to grammar school with my good friend Antonia Sparano.

Of course, like most Italian cities and towns there is an old fort. The Fort of Sant’Antonio or the Swabian Fort was only about a 15 minute walk from us.

It’s a self tour with an interesting state of the art presentation that displays the history of Bari. There was also a free archeology museum just minutes away. We did go into the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, but ran out of time to visit that museum.

Bari is a great jumping off point to many many great places. My maternal grandparents were born in Toritto about 30 minutes by car and train. That will be my next post. We also went to Matera a really must see place if you are in Puglia or Basilicata.

Short Video

Of course all the food in Bari was excellent, however, if you find yourself there, be sure to check out L’Osteria del Borgo Antico Piazza Mercantile 15. borgoantico.bari@gmail.com. Be sure to make a reservation, we missed out on a second meal because we did not.

Images from the Fort

Bari Street Views

For the experience of a lifetime ItalyRooting

Buying a home. Contact Sabrina Franco

Bari at night

Saint Nick's

Italian Roots and Genealogy is sponsored by “Your Dolce Vita” and Dawn Mattera connecting people to their purpose in life and continuing their legacy. Contact Dawn at www.yourdolcevita.com

Unlocking the Secrets of my Genoese Ancestors

June 13, 2025 No Comments

In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Tess Martin, who shares her journey of exploring her Italian heritage and family history. Tess discusses her background, her family’s migration from Italy to America, and the unique visa that allowed her to live in the Netherlands. She delves into her genealogical research, uncovering family secrets and connections that reveal the complexities of her ancestry. The conversation highlights the importance of historical context in understanding family migration and the

The Return Home 2025 – Ferrara

June 8, 2025 No Comments

Click here to join out Facebook group Ferrara is not your typical tourist destination in Italy, but it was on my bucket list as it is the birthplace of my 13th great-grandmother, Isabella d’Este. I was a bit disappointed only because there was very little mention of the d’Este women. But I guess a trip back to the Renaissance days. When booking with Phil~italy mention Italian Roots and Genealogy he d’Este family was one of

Sicilian and Southern Italy Roots

June 5, 2025 No Comments

In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Dominic Arresta, a young Italian American who has recently embarked on a journey to uncover his family history. Dominic shares his experiences of discovering his roots, the challenges he faced, and the importance of preserving family stories and cultural heritage. He discusses the role of technology in genealogy, the significance of connecting with relatives in Italy, and the impact of his findings on his identity. The conversation highlights the

The Journey Home 2025 – Modena

June 3, 2025 No Comments

Click here to join out Facebook group My daughter loves cars, especially expensive ones. So when I mentioned Modena, she asked, “What’s there?” “Ferrari.” “I’m in!” Truly a great museum, and a really good cafe, better than the one we stopped at on the way there, although a bit more expensive. At least 20 cars are on display, with a short video, gift shop $$$$ and a simulator for 25 Euros. You can also tour

The Journey Home 2025 — Bologna

May 29, 2025 No Comments

Click here to join out Facebook group 16th Century spy camera. We had an excellent guide in Bologna provided by Phil~italy. One the most fascinating parts of the tour was the tour of the Jewish ghetto. The Bologna Ghetto was established in 1556 when the Jewish community in Bologna was confined to a small, enclosed area near Via dell’Inferno. It was created by papal decree under Pope Paul IV, a decision that reflected the broader

The Journey Home 2025 – Milan

May 26, 2025 No Comments

Click here to join out Facebook group Our 2025 trip to Italy began in Milan with a bespoke itinerary created for us by Phil~italy. Phil Micali has a team of experts in Italy ( Teresa, Liliana, and Pam ) who created the itinerary and recommended lodging, food, and excursions. Just before the trip, Phil met with us and reviewed everything, so there were no surprises. Phil~italy also puts everything on a phone app for you,