Harbour of Bisceglie

The Harbour of Bisceglie, known locally as Porto di Bisceglie, is a picturesque gem nestled along the Adriatic coast in the Puglia region of Italy. With its rich history, vibrant fishing community, and charming waterfront, this harbour is a must-visit destination for any traveler exploring the beauty of southern Italy.

The Historical Tapestry of the Harbour of Bisceglie

The origins of the Harbour of Bisceglie are deeply intertwined with the ancient history of the city itself. The natural inlet provided a safe haven for boats from the earliest times, thanks to its protection from northern and eastern storms by natural rock formations. This feature made it an ideal location for a burgeoning fishing community, which thrived here for centuries.

By the 11th century, while nearby Trani was drafting its famous Ordinamenta Maris, the mariners of Bisceglie were already engaging in commercial agreements with eastern countries. This period saw the establishment of a significant maritime community around the harbour. Historical records from 1211 highlight a commercial agreement between Bisceglie and Ragusa (now Dubrovnik), ensuring mutual tax exemptions for sailors from both cities.

During the 14th century, the harbour was a bustling hub of maritime trade with the Dalmatian and Albanian coasts, the Aegean islands, and particularly with the island of Cyprus. The harbour was divided into two distinct zones: the eastern part for larger merchant and military vessels, and the western part, known as Salnitro beach, for the local fishing fleet.

The Aragonese and Bourbon Eras

In the Aragonese period, the harbour underwent significant modifications, including the alignment of the port area with the city's fortified walls. This era also saw the formal division of the harbour into commercial-military and fishing sectors. The city was granted the privilege to arm its own galleys, which were constructed and prepared near the city's walls.

The Bourbon period brought further improvements. In the early 18th century, to protect the harbour from pollution, drainage systems were installed in the city. In 1747, construction of the old mole began, though it was soon damaged by a storm. The project resumed in 1773 under the supervision of engineer Giovanni Buompiede and was completed at a cost of 100,000 ducats. At this time, the harbour was considered one of the safest in the Adriatic, second only to Brindisi.

In 1786, King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon commissioned artist Jakob Philipp Hackert to create a series of paintings of the kingdom's ports, including the Harbour of Bisceglie. The harbour was dredged in 1798, and in 1809, engineer Giuseppe Gimma proposed the construction of two new moles. Although the western mole was eventually built, the eastern mole was abandoned.

Modern Developments and Attractions

With the advent of the railway in 1864, maritime traffic in Bisceglie declined, impacting the local economy. However, the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw various projects aimed at improving the harbour's infrastructure. During World War I, the harbour was bombarded by Austrian warships, causing damage to buildings and the city's walls.

In the post-war period, the harbour's focus shifted from commercial activities to fishing. A significant fishing fleet developed, leading to the construction of a new western mole in the 1970s. Despite damage from storms in 1975, the harbour continued to evolve, with a renewed emphasis on tourism and recreational boating.

Today, the Harbour of Bisceglie is a vibrant fishing and tourist port. The harbour is protected by the new western mole and the Bourbon-era eastern mole, covering an area of approximately 100,000 square meters. A small island within the harbour, known as La Cassa, adds to its charm.

The fishing activities are concentrated along the Bourbon mole, where the local fishing fleet is moored. The harbour has a depth of up to 4.5 meters at its deepest points. The tourist marina, located within the historical basin and along the road connecting the two moles, offers around 500 berths for boats up to 25 meters in length. Floating pontoons in the southwest area of the dock are anchored to a new mole extending from La Cassa.

Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the harbour, with its mix of modern and historical elements. The harbour's entrance is marked by a fixed green light on the western mole and a flashing red light on the eastern mole, guiding boats safely into the port.

Ongoing projects include the consolidation of the eastern mole, the construction of a breakwater to the east, and the redevelopment of the tourist marina and the entire waterfront. In recent years, the harbour has been a stop on the Giro d'Italia a Vela, showcasing its significance in the sailing community.

The Harbour of Bisceglie is not just a place of historical importance but a living, breathing part of the city's vibrant culture. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a seafood lover, or a sailing aficionado, the Harbour of Bisceglie offers something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination on your Italian adventure.