What to see in Trani

The presence of a significant Jewish settlement contributed significantly to Trani's prosperity: the community in fact animated trade and studies and for a long time represented the largest settlement in southern Italy.

The Jews settled in Giudecca, a neighborhood located in the eastern part of the old town and connected to the port: the street leading down to the port is still called Via Cambio, in memory of the Jewish community's money exchanges, as well as those of Amalfi and Ravello. There were four synagogues in Giudecca, of which the 'Grande' synagogue—later the Church of Sant'Anna and now a museum—and the Scolanova synagogue remain.

The Jewish community was protected by both the Norman and Swabian rulers; with the arrival of the Angevins, the situation worsened. The annihilation of Jewish culture and traditions reached its peak during the reign of Charles III of Durazzo, who had the four synagogues of the Giudecca converted into Christian churches.
Although the community had somehow survived, only with the arrival of Alfonso of Aragon was the ancient religious tolerance restored, and the community was replenished thanks to Jews fleeing Spain.

The Jewish community survived in the city until 1541, when Charles V decreed the definitive expulsion of the Jews from his kingdom.

In memory of the important Jewish presence in Trani, a new Jewish community was established in 2004.

The church of Santa Maria di Colonna, located on the Capo Colonna peninsula, is just over a mile from the city center, once outside the urban area, but now at the heart of a thriving tourist-residential area.

It was founded, together with the adjacent Benedictine monastery, between the end of the 11th century and the beginning of the 12th, by the Trani nobleman Goffredo Siniscalco.

The main façade features decorative elements typical of Romanesque architecture: the rose window, a carved arch supported by slender columns, a finely crafted architrave (from a pagan monument), and a series of suspended arches on the spire. The church houses a 15th-century wooden crucifix, desecrated by Saracen pirates, and a precious altar donated by the Grand Duke of Tuscany in exchange for the relics of Saint Stephen, which were venerated here until 1684.

The monastery is currently used for cultural events, including jazz and classical music concerts within the splendid cloister or in the outdoor courtyard. The panoramic view from the upper floor is remarkable, offering a view of the coastline along the seafront, all the way to the municipal gardens with the cathedral in the background.

At the left end of the municipal park, you enter the ancient fort designed to protect the easternmost tip of the port. The fort is a fortification built to protect the entrance to the port, on the Sant'Antonio pier. It takes its name from a 12th-century religious building, the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, which was permanently incorporated into the pre-existing defensive structure in 1541 following the fortification commissioned by Viceroy Pietro de Toledo to defend the harbor. The church and the fort were restored in the 1980s.
From the top of the fort, you can admire the entire inlet overlooking the old town, clearly distinguishing the Cathedral and the characteristic apses of the Church of Ognissanti. This vantage point is considered by locals to be one of the most beautiful and evocative spots in the city.

The Palace is considered one of the most interesting works of Renaissance architecture in Trani. The main façade was built primarily in the late Gothic style, but in addition to the radial Gothic arch portal, there are architectural elements of various styles, such as the beautiful triple lancet window above the main entrance.
In 1484, King Ferdinand confiscated the palace from Simone Caccetta, following an attempted revolt against royal authority, selling it for 1,000 ducats to the University of Trani. Owned by the municipality, it housed the Venetian governors until 1509, became a convent of the Teresinian monks in 1642, and a seminary in the 18th century. It is currently one of the branches of the Palace of Justice.
Tradition has it that from this palace, on the night of February 13, 1503, news spread throughout Italy of the victory of the 13 Italian knights led by Ettore Fieramosca over the French in the Challenge of Barletta.

It is the city's largest public garden. It extends over a terrace overlooking the sea, surrounded by the bastions of the city's ancient fortifications. The villa's location on the south side offers a splendid panoramic view of the waterfront, stretching all the way to the Monastery of Santa Maria di Colonna. The north side leads to the Fortino, which offers a view of the entire harbor inlet and the Cathedral.
The area is planted with palms, holm oaks, oaks, and pines, and is embellished with flowerbeds, fountains, and children's playgrounds. The southern section features an aquarium containing 18 tanks embellished with Trani stone, housing approximately 500 fish of countless species from nearly every lake and river in the world, as well as ornamental aquatic plants. On the avenue, located in front of the main entrance, stands the War Memorial, sculpted in 1923 by Trani native Antonio Bassi. Walking along the avenue you come across a 19th-century chalet, home to exhibitions and cultural initiatives curated by local artists, and the sounding board, built in 1888 and recently restored.