Barletta is North of Bari, opposite the Gargano promontory and at the mouth of Manfredonia harbour. It will become part of the new BAT province in 2008, together with Andria and Trani. Founded in pre-christian times, Barletta was first developed in the 6th century when the inhabitants of Canosa escaped there from the destruction of their own town. During Norman rule, Barletta became an important stopping place for the Crusades and the trade that they brought to and from the Holy Land. The town’s period of greatest prosperity, with the construction of a powerful merchant fleet, was under Angevin rule, and is famous worldwide for the “Barletta siege” during the Spanish-French war in the early 16th century.

A main attraction for visitors to the town is the sea, with a long sandy coastline comprising beaches and hotels, ideal for families and children.The Swabian Castle is definitely worth a visit, built on the order of Frederick II and based on an existing Norman fortress, now the base for the civic museum, picture-gallery and municipal library.
Other places worth a visit are the colosso Eraclio, a large bronze statue, and the nearby S. Sepolcro Basilica, built in the 12th century, displaying interesting Oriental influences.
Sites of particular historical interest include Palazzo della Marra , a stunning 16th century Puglian palace and, a few kilometres outside town, the Canne di Battaglia archaeological site, where the Roman army and Hannibal’s troops clashed in 216 BC.
An unmissable performance is the historical re-enaction of the “Siege of Barletta” that took place on the 13th of February 1503, when 13 French knights led by Guy de La Motte were challenged to a duel by 13 Italian knights led by Ettore Fieramosca. Each year, in the summer, thousands of tourists from all over Europe come to see the historical re-enactment, in costumes, of the knights’ oath, taking to the arms and tournament ending with the Italian victory.

• Antiquarium
• Teatro Curci
• Barletta Castle
• Cattedrale di Santa Maria Maggiore
• Challenge of Barletta
• Palazzo Santacroce

Population:	92094
Province:	Barletta-Andria-Trani
Patron Saint:	San Ruggero di Canne (30 dicembre)
Area Code:	0883
Town website:	www.comune.barletta.ba.it