I once spent day strolling around Bari on Italy’s Adriatic coast. Needless to say, I headed straight for the harbour when I reached town.

Of course, being situated on Italy’s east or Adriatic coast, Bari is very very rich in history. The first inhabitants of the area were living happily in this fertile area an astonishing 7000 years ago. . They were a tribe of Proto-Indo-Europeans who originated in Greece and migrated to Italy.

It is said that this was a barbarous part of the world - but one which had borrowed many customs, farming techniques and traditions from Greece across on the other side of the Adriatic.

 After the Romans began their rule in the 3rd Century BC, the area became an important for trade as well as protection of the East coast.

By the 2nd Century, it became a haven for Christians - some of whom became famous saints - including Saint Nicolas of Myra. This influx of well known saints and martyrs began to attract pilgrims, which in turn triggered the economy of the harbour city and of the whole region.