Day 1 – Wednesday: Arrival in Bari
On Wednesday morning, our Erasmus journey began as we departed Wexford in the early hours and travelled to Dublin Airport to catch our flight to Bari, located in the Puglia region in the south-east of Italy. Situated along the Adriatic coast, Bari is a vibrant and historic port city with a rich cultural heritage dating back thousands of years. Known for its bustling harbour, beautiful architecture, and charming old town, Bari is considered one of the most important cultural and commercial centres in southern Italy.
After arriving safely in Bari we then spent the afternoon exploring the historic streets and atmosphere of Bari Vecchia, the old quarter of the city, where narrow winding lanes, traditional homes, and lively piazzas provided a wonderful introduction to Italian life and culture. During our visit, we explored the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, one of Bari’s most famous landmarks and an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Saint Nicholas, whose remains are housed there.
We also enjoyed a walk along Bari’s picturesque harbour and seafront promenade, taking in the views of the Adriatic Sea and observing the busy local fishing community. Throughout the evening, we sampled some of the region’s traditional cuisine, including freshly made orecchiette pasta, a speciality of Puglia often handmade by local residents in the old town. The day provided a fantastic introduction to Italian culture, history, and hospitality and set the tone for an exciting and educational Erasmus experience ahead.
Day 2 – Thursday 14th May: School Visit, Martina Franca and Alberobello
On Thursday 14th May, we travelled to Turi to visit the Istituto Comprensivo “Resta-De Donato Giannini”. Upon arrival, we received a warm welcome from the Principal, Erasmus coordinators, teachers, and students, who immediately made us feel part of their school community.
The morning began with an introductory meeting and presentation outlining the structure of the Italian education system and the organisation of the school itself. During the presentation, we learned that the school caters for students from pre-primary right through to lower secondary level and serves a large and vibrant school community. The pre-primary section includes approximately 300 students across 12 classes, supported by 40 teachers. The primary school has around 530 students in 30 classes with 90 teachers, while the lower secondary school consists of approximately 350 students across 17 classes with 47 teachers. It was very interesting to compare the structure and organisation of Italian schools with our own experiences in Ireland.
Following the presentation, we were given a guided tour of the school by a group of enthusiastic students who proudly showcased their classrooms and facilities. Throughout the morning, we had the opportunity to observe a variety of lessons and teaching approaches across different subjects, including Physical Education, Science, Technology, Coding, and English. We also attended a debate on Artificial Intelligence, which highlighted the students’ confidence, communication skills, and engagement with modern global issues.
A particularly memorable moment during the visit was spending time with a class of younger pupils who warmly welcomed us through music and performance. The children sang songs and performed dances. Their confidence, creativity, and excitement made a lasting impression.
The students we met throughout the day were exceptionally welcoming, polite, and eager to engage with us. Many were excited to practise their English and ask questions about life and education in Ireland. It was clear to see the pride they had in their school and local community, and the visit provided a wonderful opportunity to build meaningful cultural and educational connections through the Erasmus programme.
Following lunch, we continued our cultural visit to Martina Franca, one of the most beautiful towns in the Valle d’Itria region. Famous for its elegant Baroque architecture, white stone buildings, and narrow cobbled streets, Martina Franca offered a wonderful opportunity to experience authentic southern Italian culture. We explored the historic centre, admired the ornate churches and balconies, and enjoyed the lively atmosphere of the town.
Later in the afternoon, we travelled to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique trulli houses — traditional whitewashed stone buildings with distinctive cone-shaped roofs. Walking through the town provided a fascinating insight into the history and traditions of the Puglia region, and the visit was a memorable cultural highlight for everyone involved.