Trani like a Local: 10 things to see and do

There is a place in Apulia where the blue of the sky blends with the blue of the sea. Trani is a fascinating city, rich in history and culture, that wins the hearts of those who visit it.

With its charming streets, amazing architecture, and welcoming atmosphere, it is among the most beautiful places to visit in this region.

Find out the best things to do in Trani like a local according to Visit Italy.

Let the Pugliese tour begin! Start your visit from Piazzale S. Maria di Colonna, a gathering place for several young Tranesi. Here you can visit the Monastery of Santa Maria di Colonna, an architectural jewel founded in the 11th century by Goffredo Siniscalco. You will have the opportunity to admire typical Apulian Romanesque architecture in all its splendor.

Continue your visit by heading to the coast, where you can discover the picturesque Trabucco Tormaresca. This ancient structure used for fishing has been cleverly transformed into a meeting place for cultural and gastronomic events. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the trebuchet, where history, tradition, and good food come together to offer you an unforgettable experience.

Also starting from Piazzale S. Maria di Colonna, you can walk down a small pathway lined with villas that allows you to see the picturesque fishermen's bay from above. Here, the charm of seafaring tradition blends with the beauty of the coastal landscape. If you are passionate about photography, the bay offers countless opportunities to capture the authentic atmosphere of Trani's marine life. Between the lights of sunrise and sunset, reflections on the sea, and colorful boats, the fishermen's bay is transformed into a real living picture.

Trani, every year, is transformed into a stage for unique and evocative events related to its cultural and historical roots. Participating in the celebration of St. Nicholas Pellegrino, the city's patron saint, is a unique and engaging experience. This celebration takes place every year on June 2. The saint's procession through the streets of the historic center and the related events create an atmosphere of joy and devotion that involves all citizens and visitors.

But watch out, don't get confused! The feast of St. Nicholas Pellegrino is not the patronal festival of the same name. Instead, the latter occurs between the last weekend of July and the first of August. During these three days of festivities, in addition to the solemn procession and the handing over of the Keys to the city, a particularly exciting moment is the translation of the saint's image by sea. This is transported on an illuminated boat from the Monastery of Colonna to the port, a moment that will leave you speechless.

And how can we not mention the Festival of Pyrotechnic Art? This glittering five-day celebration invites you to lift your gaze, where fireworks flood the sky and draw an explosion of colors on the sea mirror, giving an unforgettable experience to all Trani residents and visitors.

And in August? Trani plunges you into the past with Medieval Week, a vivid and throbbing re-enactment. Reminiscent of the Templar Order, it relives the historical event of the marriage of Manfred and Helen of Epirus, the last heir of the Swabian dynasty, at Trani's Swabian Castle (an exciting spot if you feel the fascination of haunted places). Like a running film, it transports you back in time, making you relive a piece of history that seems to whisper in your ears.

Finally, don't miss the opportunity to participate in the Dialoghi di Trani, a cultural highlight. This festival aims to disseminate and encourage literary and cultural knowledge, provoke debates on social issues and strengthen civic interest and awareness in the area. It is a flow of words and ideas that becomes a flooding river, a stimulating and enriching place to meet and exchange.

Venture to the city limits and discover an authentic oasis of peace and fun: the Second Beach. A place beloved by Tranesi to find some refreshment on sultry summer days, is among the best beaches in the area. Paradise seems to meet the Mediterranean here. 

Let yourself be lulled by the waves gently brushing against your feet as the salt settles on your skin and the sun caresses your face with golden hues. Listen to the sound of the wind whispering through the greenery that surrounds this corner of paradise.

Immerse yourself in the enchantment of the cool, crystal-clear waters, and let the current carry you on a journey of discovery and adventure. It is the ideal place to regenerate mind and body, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Get lost in the narrow streets of Trani, where every corner tells a story. Explore historic neighborhoods, admire old white stone houses, and discover small stores of local artisans. With a bit of curiosity and an open smile, you'll find yourself discovering hidden corners of Trani that reveal its true soul. 

Explore Giudecca, Trani's old Jewish quarter, where you can immerse yourself in the city's history and culture. The presence of the Jewish community in this corner of Trani dates back to the 11th century and has left an indelible imprint on the cultural and architectural fabric of the city. The Jewish community built four synagogues and later converted them into churches.

Not to be missed is the former Great Synagogue, now the Church of St. Anne, which houses an exhibit on the history of Trani's Jewish community. Another remaining synagogue is the Scolanova Synagogue, which has reopened for worship by the Jewish community since 2004.

Fun fact: some scenes from The Life Ahead, one of the most emotional films shot in Italy in recent years, starring Sophia Loren, were set in Trani's Jewish quarter. 

Explore the Villa Comunale, a green oasis overlooking the sea. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature within walking distance of the historic center.

While you are being pampered by the sea breeze, be sure to stop by the Fort of St. Anthony, an ancient fortification located within the park.

An important piece of local history dating back to the 12th century, this site offers a prime vantage point to take in the breathtaking panorama framed by the harbour. Here, you'll find one of the most dramatic views in the city, and we're confident you won't resist snapping a flurry of photos!

Among the must-see stops on your trip to Trani, don't forget to visit the Typewriter Museum, a hidden treasure within the Polo Museum. This fascinating cultural complex is located in the heart of Piazza Duomo and is housed inside the ancient Palazzo Lodispoto, a 13th-century building that houses two unique museums.

In the basement and second floor, you can come across the very Typewriter Museum. In this museum, you will discover the history and evolution of these communication tools through an extensive collection of vintage typewriters. 

Going up to the second floor, the Diocesan Museum awaits you, a place where sacred art, coats of arms, epigraphs, and stone artefacts come together in a fresco of history and spirituality. Be enchanted by the richness of this collection, which will reveal the secrets and wonders of a timeless cultural heritage.

Treat yourself to a relaxing moment by enjoying a creamy ice cream, sipping a refreshing aperitif, or indulging in dinner at one of the many restaurants or cafes overlooking the harbor. The Port of Trani is the beating heart of the city and one of the most fascinating and characteristic places to discover. The boats moored in the harbor paint a kaleidoscope of colors, whose reflections dance on the water, giving it an even more magical and seductive atmosphere.

And the harbor comes alive, vibrant, and bright when the summer season kicks off. Cocktail bars and nightclubs emerge from the shadows, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local nightlife. Here, music is not the exception but the rule, with the notes of DJ sets and live concerts ringing through the air, attracting cover bands, solo artists, and renowned groups.

Incredible but true, these places ooze with opportunities for happy hour and exclusive events. The Port of Trani, without a doubt, offers you a chance to savor the overwhelming energy of this beautiful Apulian city fully.

Cultural events, exhibitions, concerts, dance performances — Trani's summer is vibrant and lively. The hot-season calendar is packed and diverse.

For example, the "caliente" Festival del Tango brings top international tango dancers to town. With performances, dance lessons, live music, and open-air tango sessions, it's a touch of Buenos Aires that adds rhythm to Trani's streets.

In August, celebrations in honour of San Nicola Pellegrino, Trani's patron saint, come with processions, fireworks, and traditional folk performances commemorating the town's spirituality and heritage. The sacred festival is followed by the Medieval Week, where time seems to turn back centuries as the historic centre returns to be the court of King Manfred once again.

A popular free event among locals and cinephiles, the Trani Film Festival brings independent cinema into the piazzas, showcasing movies, short films, and documentaries in an extraordinary setting.

Each year, entertainment options expand, always featuring engaging activities that invite people to have fun or reflect on different topics.