When I was planning my trip to Puglia I read a number of books that said it was worthwhile to take a day trip to Bitonto from Bari, but very few of those guidebooks then went on to explain the actual things to do in Bitonto. Would I get bored leaving the big city for this quiet small town? Would there be enough activities and attractions to keep me occupied for a day (or even half a day?).
Well, having now visited Bitonto, I can confirm that there are enough things to do in Bitonto to make it worth visiting from Bari, especially if you’re craving a little slice of peace and quiet. However, there are a few things you need to know about visiting Bitonto to ensure that you’ll be able to enter the town’s churches, historic buildings and museums, so keep reading (and bookmark this page for later!) to see how to plan the perfect Bitonto day trip.
An Introduction to Bitonto
Today, Bitonto is home to nearly 2,000,000 olive trees, which lend their fruits to the city’s nickname: The City of Olives. Olives are a huge driver of the local economy and feature prominently in the town’s coat of arms (which depicts an olive tree, starlings pecking at the olives, and a bonus olive branch tied to an oak branch).
However, there is more to Bitonto than just olives. The history of Bitonto dates back to the original Apulians, who lived in the region from the first millennium BC to the first century BC. Later it became part of the Roman Empire, and throughout the subsequent centuries it was hotly contested by Spanish, Austrian and Neapolitan leaders.
Nowadays, Bitonto consists of a historic medieval center (in some areas you can still see the remains of the fortifying city walls) and more modern outskirts.
Where is Bitonto?
Bitonto is located about ten kilometers west of Bari. Highway SP231 skirts around the center of Bitonto on its way to Ruvo di Puglia (another nice day trip from Bari).
How to Get from Bari to Bitonto
The best way to get to Bitonto from Bari is by train. Regional trains make the trip in about thirty minutes, departing from Bari Centrale train station once or twice per hour. These trains are operated by the private company FerroTramviaRia and tickets cost less than €2 each way. From the Bitonto train station (shown above) it’s about a ten-minute walk into the historic center.
If you drive to Bitonto from Bari there are a few parking lots on the north side of the city center, between the town’s two train stations.
The Best Things to Do in Bitonto
In order to experience the best things to do in Bitonto you’ll need to get an early start. Many of the town’s attractions close for most of the afternoon, and while some re-open in the evening, others don’t. Thus, I recommend catching a train from Bari to Bitonto at 8:30 or 9:00 in the morning, so that you can visit the main attractions in Bitonto before lunch.
Torrione Angioino / Bitonto Castle
At one time, twenty-eight towers stood along the fortifying walls of Bitonto. Of those that remain today, Torre Angioino is the largest and most impressive. Usually open in the morning and evening, the tower allows guests to ascend for city views and descend into the dark interior. There is also a gallery space inside that sometimes hosts visiting exhibits.
Bitonto Cathedral
The Bitonto Cathedral is also open to visitors most mornings and evenings. A highlight of a visit to the interior is a chance to see an ancient griffin tile mosaic in the cathedral’s crypt, which actually dates back to the paleochristian church that stood on this site before the current building.
In the piazza beside the cathedral you’ll find the Spire of the Immaculate Conception, topped with a bronze station that commemorates the city’s miraculous lack of damage following a major earthquake in 1703.
Porta Baresana
Porta Baresana, or the Barese Gate, would have been the entrance for those arriving in Bitonto from Bari back when the arch was constructed in the early 1600s. Back then, it would have been attached to the same fortifying city walls as Torre Angioino, which is just a few steps away.
Medieval Center
Bitonto has a beautiful historic center with many buildings dating back to the 1800s. As you walk into town from the train station you’ll pass several large tourist maps showing the layout of the historical center and highlighting different churches and other historical buildings that are worth visiting. The center is so small that there’s really no reason to worry about missing anything – just enjoy your stroll!
Chiesa del Purgatorio / Church of the Purgatory
One of the most evocative churches in Bitonto is the Church of the Purgatory. Take a moment to examine the striking facade as you walk past; you’ll notice skeletons guarding the doorway and people burning in the flaming pits of hell above the door. If you’re able to get inside, you’ll find the interior is significantly less spooky.
National Gallery of Puglia “Girolamo e Rosaria Devanna
The National Gallery of Puglia in Bitonto is also called the “Girolamo e Rosaria Devanna Collection”, named after the siblings who collected the works on display. Most of the paintings are from the 1500s to the 1900s, although there are a few more contemporary pieces towards the end of the gallery tour.
The gallery is located inside the Palazzo Sylos Calo, which is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful medieval buildings in the city. The gallery has continuous admission all day (no lunch closure!) from Monday to Saturday, and is also open on Sunday morning.
Tickets are €6 (at publication time in 2024) and I think it’s worth it to see both the art on display and the building itself. Try to visit during the early afternoon when other attractions in the city are closed.
Archeological Museum of Bitonto
Open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and staffed by volunteers, the Archeological Museum of Bitonto is home to a collection of Peucetian and Ancient Roman artifacts. These were found along the ancient Via Traiana, which ran from Benevento to Brindisi and was an important route for travel and trade.
Bitonto Flower Street
Since simply strolling around is one of the best things to do in Bitonto, I wanted to highlight the types of streets that you can expect to find. Here, in the “Street of Flowers”, local residents have decorated their cobblestone alley with living plants and flowers that bring their neighborhood alive. I saw several other similar streets (including some with murals, sunflowers and other decorations) that make each little corner of the city unique.
Other Churches in Bitonto
There are many other cute little churches to explore in Bitonto, like the Chiesa San Matteo (shown above), the Chiesa dell’Annunziata (standing tall where the old city meets the new city) and The Church of Saint Catherine Virgin and Martyr (just across the piazza from an excellent gelato shop!).
Bonus Bitonto Travel Tips
Thinking of visiting Bitonto for half a day, a full day, or even longer? I’ve got a few extra tips for restaurants and hotels that you might enjoy:
Restaurants in Bitonto
On the day that I traveled to Bitonto it was nearly 40° Celsius and the thought of eating a hot pizza or pasta dish (especially on an outdoor terrace!) was not appealing. Instead, I went to a restaurant called LAB.aguette, where they do sandwiches, salads and poke bowls in a spacious, air-conditioned interior. It was just what the doctor ordered!
However, if you visit in more favorable weather conditions, a few other restaurants that you might want to check out include:
- Sale in Zucca – I’d been hoping to eat here but they were closed. Their menu has some lovely-looking salads, typical pasta and meat dishes, and homemade tiramisu. If you’re in Bitonto with kids, they also have a children’s menu.
- Piazza Vecchia del Cenobio – Locals flock to this typical Italian restaurant where the menu is wide but the pizza is the main draw.
- Tiki Fish – I’m a vegetarian so I can’t comment too much on the food, but I noticed this seafood-focused restaurant has great reviews and is noted on the Michelin Guide website as one of the top restaurants in the city.
Hotels in Bitonto
I only stayed in Bitonto for a few hours so I didn’t need a hotel. However, when I was planning my trip I noticed that Bitonto had a lot of cute guesthouses and apartment rentals in historic buildings. If that’s your vibe you might actually enjoy using Bitonto as your home base rather than Bari! Here are a few hotels worth checking out:
- La Maddalena Suite & Rooms – I noticed this brand-new guesthouse as I was walking through Bitonto and saw it had great ratings already. The King Room has a luxurious spa bathtub if you’re looking to relax after a day of walking on the cobblestones.
- B&B Le Terrazze Lama Balice – This bed and breakfast is just on the outskirts of the city center so it’s a little bit quieter. Rooms with a balcony have stunning views.
- Terrazza Romanelli Suites – Rated 9.8/10 at publication time, this guesthouse in the heart of Bitonto has a rooftop terrace that overlooks the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption
- Plaza Apartment Bitonto – I would love waking up to a cup of coffee and a view over Piazza Aldo Moro in the historic center of Bitonto.
Is Bitonto worth visiting?
Bitonto is a great half-day trip from Bari by train or car. However, it’s really important that you get an early start and arrive in the town no later than 9:00 or 9:30 am if you want to be able to go inside the city’s attractions. Otherwise, later in the day, it’s still nice for a stroll but probably not worth the detour.
Don’t miss visiting Ruvo di Puglia, another easy day trip from Bari.
And while you’re in the area, I recommend making the two-hour trip to nearby Matera, which was a highlight of my recent trip to South Italy!
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