BariExperience.com | Visit Palazzo Simi, the archaeology museum in Bari Vecchia. What to see in Bari Vecchia? Visit the historical museum and Bari sotterranea. Interior of Palazzo Simi, discover the thousand-year history of Bari's underground, Puglia, Italy.

Palazzo Simi: the museum of old Bari with the city's history preserved underground

Palazzo Simi is a building located in the heart of Bari's old town, built in 1500 on the ruins of a Byzantine-style church, itself built on the remains of Roman-era structures. Inside, objects discovered during excavations are preserved, including ancient coins and various types of ceramics, carved stones, and funerary vases (dating back to prehistoric times) discovered not only in Bari and its surroundings but also in various areas of Puglia .

But what will make your visit to Palazzo Simi will be its underground passages. Descending almost 3 meters underground, you can see the remains of the ancient Byzantine church dedicated to San Gregorio de Falconibus: the three apses with the altar, as well as an ancient Roman-style residence (also recognizable by the typical flooring of the period), an ancient oven, and the remains of a Romanesque built over the previous Byzantine one.

So, for history buffs, this medieval palace holds many surprises thanks to an interesting blend of eras that will take you on a breathtaking journey back in time; it's no coincidence that this palace is the third stop on the characteristic tour dedicated to Bari sotterranea .

As we mentioned before, Palazzo Simi is located in the heart of Bari's historic center , a couple of blocks from the splendid Cathedral of San Sabino (another wonderful attraction in Bari Vecchia ) . Obviously, you have to get there on foot, but to avoid getting lost in the alleys of the historic center, BariExperience recommends entering the old town from Via Benedetto Petrone, the street that begins at the end of Via Sparano, on the corner of Corso Vittorio Emanuele.

Admission to the civic museum is FREE, but you can also book an interesting guided tour .