In pics: Why Pope Francis chose Bari to host prayer for Mideast peace?

CAIRO – 7 July 2018: Pope Francis traveled Saturday to the Italian city of Bari, south of the Adriatic, to pray for Christians in the Middle East with the heads and representatives of churches and Christian communities.

According to the President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Pope Francis chose Bari for this ecumenical prayer because it is described as a "window to the East," where relics of St. Nicholas, venerated by both Catholics and Orthodox, are preserved.



Bari is the largest and most important city of Apulia, Italy; known as one of the exit doors in Italy from which travelers leave on ferries to neighboring countries. The city’s authorities have been trying to raise their tourist status and awareness of the ancient town; the town has retained the ancient medieval plan and contains many historic buildings and sites.

There are many places to enjoy visiting in the city of Bari such as:

Church of St. Nicholas

One of the most famous landmarks of the old city is the Church of St. Nicholas, which has a wide religious significance throughout Europe and the Christian world, as well as the Church, is an important destination for all Christian pilgrims, whether Roman Catholics or Orthodox Christians from Eastern Europe. The church was built between 1087 and 1197. The establishment of the church is associated with the parishes of St. Nicholas that were stolen from the original shrine of the saint in Mira.


One of the most famous landmarks of the old city ( Bari), Italy is the Church of St. Nicholas- screen shot from You tube channel

Bari Cathedral

The Cathedral of Bari is the seat of the Archbishop of Bari-Bitonto in Apulia; it is dedicated to Saint Sabinus. The cathedral, which was built on the ruins of the Imperial Byzantine between the late 12th and late 13th centuries, is older the Church of St. Nicholas but it is less famous than it.


The Cathedral of Bari is the seat of the Archbishop of Bari-Bitonto in Apulia; it is dedicated to Saint Sabinus. - Screen shot from you tube channel

Castello Normanno-Svevo

The Castello Svevo is a castle in the city of Bari built around 1132 by the Norman king Roger II; currently, it is used as an exhibition. It was destroyed in 1156 by King William I of Sicily and rebuilt and fortified in 1233 by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II.


The Castello Svevo is a castle in the city of Bari built around 1132 by the Norman king Roger II - Screen shot from you tube channel

Teatro Petruzzelli

Teatro Petruzzelli is the largest theater in the city of Bari and the fourth largest theater in Italy; the building has an amazing history. It was completed in the early 19th century, and its first production was Hogeonuts in 1903. Many international celebrities have been inside it, including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Lisa Minelli. The theater was completely destroyed by fire in 1991 and rebuilt in 2008.


Teatro Petruzzelli is the largest theater in the city of Bari and the fourth largest theater in Italy - Screen shot from You tube channel

Stadio San Nicola

San Nicola Stadium is a multi-use stadium designed by Renzo Piano in Bari, and is currently used mostly for football matches; the stadium is build in the shape of a flower in 1990 for the 1990 FIFA World Cup; it also hosted the 1991 European Cup Final. The stadium holds 58,248 people.


San Nicola Stadium is a multi-use stadium designed by Renzo Piano in Bari - Screen shot from you tube channel

Old city

The old city of Bari is characterized by its narrow streets and is home to many churches and shrines hidden between its walls, as well as the old model houses. It is easy to get lost within but because of the small area, the exit can be easily found.


The old city of Bari is characterized by its narrow streets and is home to many churches - Screen shot from You tube channel