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| Bari (province) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Bari (province) |
| Native name | Provincia di Bari |
| Settlement type | Former Province |
| Coordinates | 41°07′N 16°52′E |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Italy |
| Subdivision type1 | Region |
| Subdivision name1 | Apulia |
| Seat type | Capital |
| Seat | Bari |
| Area total km2 | 5,138 |
| Population total | 1,263,820 |
| Population as of | 2012 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone1 | CET |
| Utc offset1 | +1 |
| Timezone1 DST | CEST |
| Utc offset1 DST | +2 |
Bari (province) is a former province in the Apulia region of southern Italy, centered on the city of Bari. The territory encompassed coastal plains, karst plateaus, and inland hills along the Adriatic Sea, linking maritime ports, agricultural zones, and industrial centers. Historically a crossroads for Mediterranean trade, the province combined Roman, Byzantine, Norman, and Renaissance influences reflected in its urban fabric and rural settlements.
The province occupied part of the Adriatic Sea coastline and the Murgia plateau, bordering the provinces of Foggia, Barletta-Andria-Trani, Taranto, and Matera. Major municipalities included Bari, Altamura, Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, and Bitonto. Landscapes ranged from the saline wetlands of the Margherita di Savoia salt pans to the limestone caves of the Grotte di Castellana and the karst sinkholes of the Gravina di Puglia area. Rivers such as the Ofanto and smaller streams drained toward the Adriatic, while protected areas connected to the Alta Murgia National Park and coastal reserves preserved biodiversity including migratory birds and endemic flora.
The area shows archaeological remains from the Neolithic, with later settlements under Magna Graecia, the Roman Republic, and the Roman Empire. Bari developed as a Byzantine stronghold and later as the capital of the Catepanate of Italy and a prominent port in the Middle Ages, contested by the Normans and the Holy Roman Empire. The city hosted the relics of Saint Nicholas and became a pilgrimage destination, linking to maritime republics like Venice and trading partners across the Levant. Under the Kingdom of Naples and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, the province modernized ports and fortifications; it later joined the Kingdom of Italy during the Italian unification. Twentieth-century events included industrialization under the Italian Republic and wartime damage during World War II, followed by postwar reconstruction and regional planning initiatives.
Before its reorganization, the province functioned under Italian provincial statutes with a prefecture seated in Bari and elected provincial councils. Administrative divisions comprised municipalities such as Altamura, Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, Conversano, and Ruvo di Puglia. Responsibilities historically included local policing tied to the Prefect of Bari, infrastructure coordination with the Apulia Regional Council, and coordination with national ministries in Rome. Reforms in the 2010s prompted the establishment of the Metropolitan City of Bari and adjustments to competences previously held by the provincial body.
Population centers combined the dense urban agglomeration around Bari with smaller towns and rural communes across the Murgia and coastal plain. Demographic trends mirrored southern Italian patterns: urban growth in port and industrial districts alongside rural depopulation in inland villages such as Ceglie Messapica and Santeramo in Colle. Migration flows included economic emigration to northern Italian cities and international destinations, as well as internal migration from surrounding provinces. Religious and cultural life coalesced around parishes, dioceses like the Archdiocese of Bari-Bitonto, and festivals honoring patron saints including Saint Nicholas.
The province combined maritime commerce through the Port of Bari with agriculture—olive oil, durum wheat, and vineyards cultivated in territories around Altamura and Gravina—and industrial sectors including shipbuilding and food processing located in industrial zones. Tourism drew visitors to coastal towns such as Polignano a Mare and historical sites like the Castello Svevo and the cathedral complex of Bari Cathedral. Economic development initiatives linked to European Union cohesion funds, regional programs administered by the Apulia Region, and infrastructure investments connecting to the A14 motorway and rail corridors such as the Bari–Taranto railway.
Cultural heritage featured Romanesque and Norman architecture exemplified by the Bari Cathedral, the basilica of Saint Nicholas, and fortifications like the Castello Normanno-Svevo. UNESCO-related sites and near-heritage landmarks included the Romanesque churches of Matera region influences and local artifacts housed in museums such as the Municipal Museum of Bari. Culinary traditions highlighted focaccia barese, orecchiette pasta, and olive oil production connected to historic mills. Events and institutions included music festivals, the Teatro Petruzzelli, and academic centers like the University of Bari Aldo Moro fostering research in Mediterranean studies and archaeology.
Transport networks centered on the Port of Bari offering ferry links to the Balkans and Greece, and the Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport providing domestic and international flights. Railways connected Bari to the Bologna–Bari railway and southern lines to Taranto and Reggio Calabria, while motorways such as the A14 motorway and state roads facilitated freight and passenger movement. Urban transit in Bari and suburban communes included bus networks and regional rail services, supported by investments in port modernization, highway upgrades, and intermodal logistics hubs linking agricultural producers to European markets.
Category:Provinces of Italy (obsolete)