Duchy of Bari
| Ducato di Bari | |
|---|---|
| Former subdivision of Kingdom of Naples | |
| c.1400–1557 | |
Drawing of Bari from the work The Kingdom of Naples in Perspective by Giovan Battista Pacichelli | |
Map of the Terra di Bari taken from the work The Kingdom of Naples in Perspective by Giovan Battista Pacichelli | |
| Capital | Bari |
| Government | |
| Duke | |
• c.1400–1406 | Raimondo Orsini del Balzo (first) |
• 1524–1557 | Bona Sforza (last) |
| History | |
• The Orsini family receives the title of Dukes of Bari from the King of Naples | 16 June |
• Due to the lack of legitimate heirs of the Orsini family, the Duchy passes to the Neapolitan royal demesne | 1463 |
• The title is abolished by the Spanish crown | 1557 |
The Duchy of Bari was a significant administrative division within the Kingdom of Naples, comprising several territories, including Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Modugno, Ostuni (incorporated into the duchy in 1506), Palo del Colle, and Rossano. Bari, as the capital, functioned as a key administrative and economic center in the region, influencing trade and political activities. The included territories each contributed distinct characteristics to the duchy; for instance, Acquaviva delle Fonti is recognized for its agricultural output, while Ostuni is noted for its historical architecture.
Historically, the Duchy of Bari reflects the complex cultural interactions in southern Italy, influenced by various ruling powers such as the Byzantine Empire, Norman conquerors, and Spanish authorities. The region experienced fluctuations in prosperity and conflict, which shaped the lives of its inhabitants and the broader context of the Kingdom of Naples. In addition to its political and economic roles, the duchy played a part in the cultural development of the area, fostering artistic and architectural advancements that are acknowledged in studies of Italian history.