Barletta
Barletta is a really unique and special town in the southern Italian region of Puglia. Not just because it is close to my heart for a couple of personal reasons – one of which is that it is the very first place I ever lived in Italy – but it’s also just an exceptionally special place to visit in general. Established as far back as the 4th century B.C., you may be fooled into thinking that the architecture that is all around you here is the remains of that period. But you’d be wrong. Some of it goes back even further.
While not everyone’s apartment may be from the 1st-4th century B.C., some of the buildings that you walk past even today are from that time. While the prominent castle (which is gorgeous and lit up by night) in town, is a little more modern, having been orginally built in the 11th century B.C. and then rebuit again in the 16th century.
Needless to say, Barletta goes back a ways. And what makes this town so charming isn’t even its history or its architecture. It’s the town’s warmth in charm, climate and people. The food is outstanding, the hospitality unmatched anywhere else in the region, and the nightlife is something you’ve never seen before. There are actually more people out at night than during the day, walking the streets. Not to get drunk like you might expect, but just to gather outside and socialize by moonlight.
I could go on and on about how amazing this little spot on the map is, but let’s talk about where you can stay while you’re visiting this idyllic place called Barletta.
The B&B
Domatia B&B is a locally owned residence smack dab in the historical center of town. Just a stone’s throw away from the beach, it’s location is ideal for anyone wanting to stay close to restaurants, bars, cafes, and shopping.
The antiquated structure holds several rooms, but is humble in its capacity, still offering guests ensuite bathrooms, and spacious windows to look down at the busy streets by night and here the Vespas and talking as people go by. With a very nautical/travel type of motif for their interior design, it’s a fun little place to hang your hat for a couple of nights.
The upstairs floor has a communal kitchen, where you can cook, make coffee and pop out to the terrace to see the rooftops of the charming city.
The other perk of staying here is that it is in affiliation with the Café Con Vista, which is just around the corner from Domatia. They offer guests who are staying at said B&B complimentary juice, coffee of your choice and a freshly baked brioche. Speak to me!
My Experience
My time spent here was great because I had the luxury of popping in and out of my B&B with ease of a master key to the front door of the building, and the location was super convenient for me to get to and from everywhere I needed to be in town.
With rates very reasonable for the area, and the added bonus of your breakfast at the café – which has a spectacular view of the town’s castle – there’s no reason not to stay here.
Just make sure that when you do book your room, you let them know that Lisa sent you!
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