San Giorgio: Coast, Lama and Cultural History

The Lama San Giorgio flows into the Adriatic near Cala San Giorgio, in the Bari area. Archaeological and architectural traces also point to different chapters in the area's history. When looking for a hotel in San Giorgio, you can plan your stay around whether you are more interested in the coastal landscape, regional architecture, or the traditional festivities in Bari in early May. If you plan to visit part of the Lama, check current access and trail conditions in advance; for early May, it is advisable to check the local events programme.

Lama San Giorgio and the Landscape

In 1997, the region designated the Lama San Giorgio as a protected natural area because of its natural, landscape, archaeological, and cultural significance. If you would like to visit parts of the Lama, check in advance which areas are covered by this designation.

A 2016 report described a section about three kilometres long, running from the Bariblu shopping centre to San Giorgio. Features mentioned there include caves, natural cavities, high rock walls, and steep country roads. If you plan to include this section in your itinerary, check current access and trail conditions in advance.

Also in 2016, a sign on an unpaved path above the Lama indicated a nature trail for secondary-school students. If you would like to follow this sign, check whether it is still there and whether the path is accessible.

Archaeological Traces and Regional Architecture

Archaeological finds confirm that the portus of San Giorgio served as a landing place from Roman times and throughout the Middle Ages. Here, the term refers to its use as a place for landing. This establishes that the coast served this function over several historical periods.

The rock settlement of San Giorgio included a church above ground. Its style and building materials are characteristic of Apulia's rural pre-Romanesque churches. Pre-Romanesque refers to an architectural classification predating the Romanesque period; the classification also points to rural religious architecture in Apulia. For those interested in architectural history, this offers a concrete way to explore church construction, materials, and the difference between a church above ground and an underground rock space.

Another regional building tradition was presented on the grounds of the International Camping San Giorgio: five trulli were built there to show visitors characteristic regional architecture. This educational purpose distinguishes these buildings in the area's history from the church, which is classified by its style and building materials.

The Villaggio Turistico San Giorgio was inaugurated in 1957. This date adds a more recent chapter to the history of local tourism. The portus's archaeologically documented role as a landing place and the inauguration in 1957 can thus be considered as topics from different periods.

Festivities and Windsurfing

As part of the traditional festivities in Bari in early May, a historical costume parade begins in San Giorgio. The image of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, is placed on a boat and taken to the Nazario Sauro promenade. San Giorgio is the starting point of the parade; the promenade is the destination of the boat transfer. Before travelling in early May, check the programme for your specific travel dates.

A 2021 report described Cala San Giorgio as a spot for windsurfing sessions by CAT SURF Sailing. Windsurfers could sail there on the thermal easterly wind. If windsurfing is important to your travel plans, check in advance whether sessions are offered during your visit.

Discover more destinations: Losciale, Palo del Colle, Bitonto, Altamura, Noicattaro, Cozzana, Gravina In Puglia, Triggiano

For the regional travel overview: Bari.