Bari’s rich history comes alive in the Simi Palace and Byzantine Church Tour. Explore the 16th-century Simi Palace and the remains of an adjacent Byzantine church, uncovering architectural marvels and artifacts that span centuries. With multilingual guides, family-friendly access, and flexible cancellation policies, this 80-minute immersive journey offers a compelling glimpse into Bari’s captivating past. Discover why this tour has become a must-do experience for visitors seeking to deeply connect with the city’s remarkable heritage.
Key Points
- An 80-minute immersive experience exploring the Simi Palace and Byzantine Church in Bari, Italy, priced at $28.40 per person.
- The tour is available in Italian, French, English, and Spanish, and features a scale model of the city layout and a display of artifacts.
- The tour is wheelchair-accessible, and participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- The tour highlights include insights into the site’s 16th-century origins, observation of prehistoric pottery and Italian-Mycenaean ceramics, and a knowledgeable guide.
- The tour is family-friendly, with free admission for children up to 11 years old, and has received excellent reviews highlighting the guides’ knowledge and language skills.
Tour Overview
The Bari: Simi Palace and Byzantine Church Tour offers an immersive 80-minute experience, providing visitors the opportunity to explore the archaeological complex of Simi Palace and the adjacent Byzantine Church dating back to the 9th-10th century.
Priced at $28.40 per person, the tour is available in Italian, French, English, and Spanish. Wheelchair-accessible, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Key highlights include viewing a scale model of the city’s historical layout and observing a vast display of artifacts, from prehistoric pottery to Italian-Mycenaean ceramics.
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Booking Information
Reserve your spot on the Bari: Simi Palace and Byzantine Church Tour without upfront payment.
Reserve your spot on the Bari: Simi Palace and Byzantine Church Tour without upfront payment.
You can also cancel your booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The meeting point is the staircase in front of the entrance to the square.
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Reserve now & pay later
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
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Wheelchair accessible
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Meeting point: Staircase in front of the entrance to the square
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Tips for participants included
Tour Highlights
Explore the archaeological complex of Simi Palace and discover the remains of the adjacent Byzantine Church dating back to the 9th-10th century.
Learn about the site’s origins from the 16th century and view a vast display of artifacts, including prehistoric pottery and Italian-Mycenaean ceramics.
Observe a scale model depicting the city’s historical layout, providing a comprehensive understanding of the area’s rich history.
With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this tour offers a captivating glimpse into Bari’s past, blending ancient architecture and archaeological treasures for an engaging and informative experience.
Included in the Tour
Included in this captivating tour are the entrance fees to both Simi Palace and the adjacent Byzantine Church, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the site’s rich history.
Plus, the tour includes:
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A guided exploration led by a knowledgeable guide, who provides insights into the origins, architecture, and historical significance of the complex.
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Access to a vast display of artifacts, including prehistoric pottery and Italian-Mycenaean ceramics, offering a glimpse into the region’s past.
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The opportunity to observe a scale model depicting the city’s historical layout, enhancing the understanding of the site’s evolution.
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Tips for participants, ensuring a well-rounded and informative experience.
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Free admission for children up to 11 years old, making it an inclusive family-friendly activity.
Visitor Information
Visitors can expect free access for children up to 11 years old, making this tour an inclusive family-friendly activity.
The tour guides recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing, as there may be some walking involved. Visitors should also consider bringing an umbrella or rain gear, as the weather can be unpredictable.
The tour has received excellent reviews, with customers praising the knowledgeable guides and their language skills.
With a 5/5 rating based on 2 reviews, this tour promises an engaging and informative experience exploring the Simi Palace and Byzantine Church in Bari.
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Archaeological Complex of Simi Palace
The archaeological complex of Simi Palace is the centerpiece of this guided tour.
Visitors will explore the remains of the 16th-century manor house and its adjacent Byzantine church, dating back to the 9th-10th century.
The tour highlights include:
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Viewing a scale model that depicts the historical layout of the city
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Observing a vast display of artifacts, such as prehistoric pottery and Italian-Mycenaean ceramics
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Learning about the site’s origins and evolution over the centuries
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Discovering the architectural features and design elements of the palace and church
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Gaining insights from the knowledgeable guide throughout the tour.
Remains of the Byzantine Church
Nestled within the archaeological complex of Simi Palace, the remains of the Byzantine Church captivate visitors with their historical significance.
Dating back to the 9th-10th century, these ruins offer a glimpse into Bari’s early medieval past. Explorers can examine the architectural features and imagine the church’s former grandeur.
The tour provides insights into the church’s origins and its relationship to the adjacent Simi Palace. Witnessing this ancient site firsthand allows travelers to connect with Bari’s rich Byzantine heritage and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s multilayered history.
Artifacts and Scale Model
Beyond the architectural remnants of the Byzantine Church, the tour offers visitors a chance to explore a vast display of artifacts uncovered from the Simi Palace site.
Highlights include:
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Prehistoric pottery
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Italian-Mycenaean ceramics
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A scale model depicting the historical layout of the city
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Ancient tools and other household items
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Intricately decorated religious relics
These artifacts provide a fascinating glimpse into the site’s origins dating back to the 16th century.
Visitors can observe these well-preserved finds and imagine how life unfolded within the halls of the former Simi Palace.
Common Questions
Is Photography Allowed Inside the Palace and Church?
Photography is generally allowed inside the palace and church, but visitors should check with the guide or staff for any restrictions. Respect any guidelines to preserve the historical integrity of the sites.
How Accessible Is the Tour for People With Limited Mobility?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, as per the information provided. Visitors with limited mobility can explore the archaeological complex and the Byzantine church without any issues.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
Children up to 11 years old can access the tour for free. There are no other age restrictions, so the tour is open to all ages with the exception of the free entry for kids under 12.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Site?
The tour does not mention any on-site souvenir shops. Visitors can likely purchase souvenirs in Bari’s city center, but there are no specific details provided about shopping opportunities at the Simi Palace and Byzantine Church site itself.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
There’s no option to extend the tour duration. The tour lasts 80 minutes, as specified in the tour overview. Extending the length isn’t available, but visitors can explore the site further on their own after the guided tour.
The Sum Up
The Simi Palace and Byzantine Church Tour in Bari offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich history. With guided access to the 16th-century Simi Palace, the remains of the Byzantine Church, and a diverse collection of artifacts, this 80-minute tour provides an immersive experience for just $28.40 per person. Flexible booking options and family-friendly accessibility make this tour an attractive option for those interested in experiencing Bari’s cultural heritage.
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