Discover Trani: History, Museums and Coastal Landscape

Historic Trani Between Fortress and Cathedral

Trani features striking religious architecture, a diverse museum landscape and distinctive coastal themes. The Castello Svevo was built in 1233 on the orders of Frederick II; its outer ramparts were opened to the public in 2021. Construction of the Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino began at the end of the 11th century, and it was clad in the slightly pink local marble of Trani. The beginning of construction of the Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino at the end of the 11th century predates the construction of the Castello Svevo in 1233. Its isolated location on a large square shapes the impression of the building and makes its architectural details particularly easy to appreciate.

Scolanova Synagogue and Historic Architecture

The Scolanova Synagogue stands in Trani’s historic centre and is an example of Apulian Romanesque architecture. It is considered the most important testimony to Trani’s former Jewish quarter. Guided tours are available exclusively by prior reservation, in Italian, English or French, with at least 48 hours’ advance notice. If you would like to explore this part of the city specifically, the reservation period is therefore an important part of planning your visit.

Museums with Different Areas of Focus

Palazzo Beltrani opened to the public on 30 December 2009 and is a multifunctional museum. Its permanent exhibitions include an art gallery dedicated to the painter Ivo Scaringi (1937–1998). The Diocesan Museum opened in 1975, followed by Palazzo Beltrani in 2009. Also spread across four levels at Piazza Duomo is the Polo Museale Diocesano. It houses the Diocesan Museum, the typewriter museum of the Fondazione S.E.C.A. and a cultural area.

The Diocesan Museum was opened in 1975 to house stone and sculptural materials from excavations and demolition work at Trani Cathedral and other churches in Trani.

Monastero di Colonna and Santa Geffa

The Monastero di Colonna is a monumental complex dating from the early 12th century. The Monastero di Colonna is older than the Castello Svevo, whose construction is dated to 1233. It was initially inhabited by Benedictines, followed by Franciscans from 1427 to 1867. The Santa Geffa Archaeological Park is another historical highlight. It is located 3 km from Trani, near Via delle Tufare, and preserves the remains of the underground complex of S. Geffa. The 3 km distance from Trani makes Santa Geffa a separate section of the day’s itinerary. The park’s activities include planting and cooking.

Vasca Boccadoro and Narrow Coastal Strip

The Vasca Boccadoro in the Boccadoro nature area is both a natural wetland and an interesting architectural feature. It is situated in a coastal landscape with partly cultivated farmland. From the Vasca Boccadoro, a narrow strip of beach extends to the west and east, adjoining the landscape.

Other destinations: Canosa Di Puglia, Barletta, Margherita Di Savoia, San Ferdinando Di Puglia

For the higher-level travel overview: Barletta-Andria-Trani.