Palazzo Beltrani: Art and Culture

Just steps from the Cattedrale di Trani, I stopped at Palazzo delle Arti "Beltrani". It's in a spot you might pass without noticing in the historic center. This place isn't often mentioned when discussing the city. Maybe that's why I entered without any particular expectations.

I wasn't in Puglia just for the sea or food. A few days earlier in Barletta, I saw De Nittis' works. So, I started focusing more on art. In Trani, I continued this artistic journey.

The palace is well-maintained and historic. It has an outdoor courtyard for events and a small bar, making it feel less formal. At the entrance, the welcome was warm, without the usual formality of institutional spaces.

Inside, you'll find the gallery dedicated to Ivo Scaringi, a 20th-century artist from Trani. Looking back, if I went again, I'd book in advance through the official website to avoid waiting. The collection started in 2009, thanks to the family's decision to share their private collection.

Scaringi was born in Trani in 1937 and trained in his father's sculpture workshop. This background shows in many works: there's a solid, almost artisanal base that then opens to more independent exploration. Even without specific expertise, you can follow this transition.

Besides the permanent collection, the palace hosts temporary exhibitions and contemporary art events. During my visit, I saw works by Ivo Scaringi, Ladogana, and Matteo Masiello. This broadens the experience and gives a less isolated view of the artist. So, it's not a "one-time" visit: the content changes, and it's worth returning, especially if you've been to Trani before.

It's a short visit, easily fitting between the port and the historic center. It offers a different pause from the rest of the day. Outside the palace, there's a constant flow of tourists and the sea just steps away; inside, the pace changes, allowing for quieter art contemplation.