A stop in Trani — The very best of Trani in half a day

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, also known as the Cattedrale di Trani, is one of the most extraordinary examples of Apulian Romanesque architecture. Set in a dramatic location overlooking the sea, it was built between the late 11th and 13th centuries, on the site of an earlier early Christian building. Constructed from local limestone, its luminous façade is adorned with an elegant rose window and a bronze portal created by Barisano da Trani in 1175. 

The building is further enhanced by an imposing 14th-century bell tower and a pointed arch connecting it to the nave — a rare architectural solution for the period. The interior, divided into three aisles, preserves precious medieval features, including the crypts of San Nicola Pellegrino and Santa Maria, and the hypogeum of San Leucio. Fragments of mosaics and frescoes hint at the building's former splendour.

Today, the cathedral stands as a symbol of the town and an essential stop for anyone visiting Trani, where art, spirituality and the timeless allure of the sea come together. 

The Castello Svevo di Trani is one of the most imposing castles in Puglia, an extraordinary example of medieval military architecture. Built in the 13th century by order of Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, the castle stands majestically over the Adriatic Sea, overlooking the town's harbour.

Its structure, characterised by massive towers and an internal courtyard, was designed to withstand sieges and ensure the defence of this stretch of coastline.

Today, the Castello Svevo is an important cultural centre that hosts art exhibitions, historical events and cultural gatherings, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Guided tours offer the opportunity to explore the historic halls and the ramparts, providing a fascinating journey through Trani's medieval history. From the top of the towers, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the town and the sea, making the castle an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Trani.

The castle comes back to life with the historical reenactment of the wedding between King Manfred, the favourite son of Frederick II, and Helena of Epirus. A fairy-tale event that tells the story of an overwhelming love, with numerous performers arriving from all over Puglia to turn back the clock to 1259. The reenactment, featuring displays by drummers and flag-bearers, recounts the ill-fated love story of Manfred and Helena, and concludes with the spectacular "Incendio al Castello" (Castle on Fire) — a dazzling display of lights and fireworks that has captivated and enchanted audiences for over ten years. 

In the heart of Trani, overlooking the splendid Piazza Duomo, the Museo Diocesano is the centrepiece of Trani's lively Polo Museale (Museum Hub), a place where art, history and innovation come together in a unique cultural experience.

Founded in 1975 at the wish of Archbishop Giuseppe Carata, the museum was created to safeguard precious artefacts from the Cathedral and the churches of the diocese. Today, set within the evocative surroundings of Palazzo Lodispoto, it houses a rich and fascinating collection: coats of arms, inscriptions, liturgical treasures, early Christian and medieval fragments, as well as masterpieces such as the celebrated 14th-century ivory altarpiece, donated by Charles of Anjou. 

It is a journey that tells the story of centuries of faith, art and beauty. But the Polo Museale offers much more: on the lower ground and first floors, visitors will find the surprising Museo della Macchina per Scrivere (Typewriter Museum) of the Fondazione S.E.C.A., home to more than 400 models from around the world, from the earliest Olivetti machines to typewriters for the blind and pioneering early computers.

Adding even more life to the complex are the spaces on the ground floor: a modern conference room, the evocative Corte used for cultural events, and an elegant café, perfect for a break between art and good taste.

The Museo Diocesano di Trani is far more than a museum: it is a living, dynamic space, open to dialogue between past and present — an exciting journey into the cultural heart of the town.