Jewish Tour of Apulia

Day 1: Arrival in Bari – Discovering Jewish Heritage in the Capital of Puglia

• Arrival at Bari Airport and private transfer to the city.

• Begin your Jewish heritage tour with a guided walking tour of Bari’s Old Town, uncovering traces of Medieval and post-war Jewish life.

• During the Norman era, Jewish communities flourished in Bari and other maritime cities such as Otranto, Gallipoli, and Trani, contributing significantly to trade and culture.

• Afternoon guided tour including the Basilica of St. Nicholas and the Norman-Swabian Castle.

• Dinner and overnight in Bari.

Day 2: Castel del Monte – Mysticism and Architecture

• Breakfast and departure to Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most enigmatic castles in the world.

• Explore its octagonal architecture and symbolic ties to religious mysticism, including potential connections to Jewish numerology and Ezekiel’s vision of the temple.

• Light lunch followed by a leisurely afternoon.

• Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Trani – Synagogues and the Jewish Quarter

• Breakfast and transfer to Trani, once home to one of the most vibrant Jewish communities in southern Italy.

• Visit the Scolanova Synagogue, originally built in the 13th century and one of the oldest functioning synagogues in Europe.

• Afternoon walking tour of Trani’s Jewish quarter, where four historic synagogues once stood.

• Discover how Jews in Trani lived integrated within the urban fabric, contributing to trade, scholarship, and religious life.

• Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Matera – Ancient Caves and Jewish Commerce

• Breakfast and transfer to Matera, the European Capital of Culture 2019 and one of the oldest cities in the world.

• Explore the Sassi cave dwellings and learn about Matera’s lesser-known Jewish history, including its 15th-century Jewish community involved in grain trade.

• Guided tour of the city, followed by a free lunch in the historic center.

• Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Oria – The Medieval Jewish Capital of Apulia

• Breakfast and transfer to Oria, once the most important center for Judaism in Apulia during the Middle Ages.

• Guided tour of the city, including the historic Jewish quarter and sites associated with its once-thriving community.

• Learn about the city’s role as a cultural beacon for Jews in the Mediterranean during the 8th to 10th centuries.

• Lunch at a local restaurant.

• Evening arrival in Lecce, check-in, dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Lecce – Baroque Beauty and Jewish Legacy

• Breakfast and guided tour of Lecce, known for its stunning Baroque architecture and historic Jewish district.

• Discover the story of Abraham de Balmes, a key figure in Lecce’s Jewish history.

• Visit the Medieval Jewish Museum, located on the site of the city’s ancient synagogue, showcasing archaeological artifacts and cultural exhibits.

• Lunch in the city center.

• Afternoon transfer to Guagnano for a visit to a Kosher-certified winery and olive oil farm, supervised by OU and Rabbi Hochman.

• Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Santa Maria al Bagno, Gallipoli, and Santa Maria di Leuca – Jewish Memory and Refuge

• Breakfast and departure to Santa Maria al Bagno, a WWII refugee camp for Holocaust survivors. Visit the Jewish Memorial Museum preserving testimonies from Jewish refugees who passed through the region.

• Continue to Gallipoli, exploring the old Giudecca (Jewish quarter) and its historical remnants.

• Afternoon visit to Santa Maria di Leuca, another coastal town with traces of Jewish presence in antiquity.

• Dinner at a seaside restaurant.

• Return to hotel and overnight.

Day 8: Departure

• Breakfast and private transfer to Bari Airport.

Customize Your Jewish Tour of Apulia

This is a private Jewish heritage tour in Apulia, fully customizable to meet your interests and travel preferences. A minimum of 3 nights’ accommodation, guided sightseeing, and private transfers is required.

Contact us today to create your personalized Jewish tour of Puglia and experience the rich legacy of Judaism in Southern Italy.