The Port of Barletta

The Port of Barletta represents one of those ports facilities, among the most distinctive on the Apulian coast and on the Italian peninsula. The port is seen characterized by an incredibly varied history, boasting its origins from the early 4th century BC. Its birth, in fact, is closely linked to the settlement of early populations of Illyrian and Indo-European origin, who had begun to exploit the area as a commercial landing point.

That stretch of coastline, was not initially conducive to the anchoring of boats or ships, and it was only with the hand of man, that it saw the construction of a first pier. The latter remained concealed until the waters receded in the new century.

The structure, which for years was used only as an anchorage and commercial port of call, saw its rebuilding beginning in the 15th century. It was Ferdinand of Aragon (King I of Naples) himself, who wanted the work to create a safer structure, as a result of the many dangers recognized by the anchorage. Just these, are the features of a port, which still protect themselves in our days, and for which we know the structure of the Apulian city.

Because of thesilting up, the port has been subject to multiple renovations and a series of notices and prohibitions. These include the inability of ships longer than 165 meters and a draft greater than 6 meters to anchor.

However, the port facility has an important profile and together with Manfredonia and Monopoli, it is counted under the name Port Authority of Levante. This reputation, the potential of its surface area and ongoing renovation works make it one of the safest ports in Puglia.

In fact, to combat the risk of ‘silting up, the fortification works are remarkable, and secure the structures of the western pier to which many arms of docks have been built.

In addition, the ports has a seawall to the east and a pier to the west, which houses a dock created by a ledge in its Radice. As a final work, in order to possess additional recreational space, a dock with a 230-meter pier was built.

The Port of Barletta is therefore an important naval facility with a prestigious and ancient historical legacy that, thanks to human investment, has gained great credibility in the Apulian ports scene. In order to ensure good anchorage performance for coastal boats and the presence of useful services for boaters from the Levant.