Bari is one of the most important cities of Southern Italy. It has a solid mercantile tradition and has always been a crucial point for both commerce and political and cultural contacts with Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Its harbour serves as the largest touristic port of all of the Adriatic Sea.

The promenade

The port and promenade were built in 1927. The promenade is a unique example of 20th century architecture. It is a very original example of rationalist architecture, influenced by different movementes from other Italian cities. Eastern exotic cultures, contact with other peoples and the openness to the sea characterised the buildings, giving them a specific, unique architectural value.

The lamppost

Cast iron lamp posts, with four arms and speric luminaires – later replaced by circular lanterns around 1960 – were installed on the balustrade.

During the Second World War

During the Second World War, Bari harbour staged of one of the most terrible naval disasters of the war. The harbour, where dozens of Allied ships were moored, suffered a heavy aerial bombardment. 28 ships were sunk or destroyed. This bombing was second by relevance only to Pearl Harbour.

Reproduction

Neri SpA was commissioned by the city of Bari to reproduce the circular lanterns built in the 60s and mount them on the original posts, with the aim of improving their performance with the introduction of high-performance optics.

Final result

The result was excellent both by day, from an aesthetic point of view, and at night, in terms of lighting.