A few days ago I arrived in Bari for the first time as a solo female traveler. I hadn’t really read much about it beforehand tbh and I decided to go explore the city later in the evening.
I was wearing a black knit dress (short, but not too short), nude tights, ankle boots, and a fur coat. Nothing provocative I believe. I’ve worn the same outfit in my town (Corfu) without any issues whatsoever.
When I got to Bari Vecchia, at the Basilica di San Nicola, there was a group of young teenagers hanging around. As I walked past them, they started calling me “whore.” At first I ignored them, but they kept repeating it. I turned around and gave them a look, and one of them spat in my direction.
I kept walking and brushed it off, but after a bit I realized they were following me. I turned around and confronted them, and the same boy ran up and spat directly on my face *twice*while the others laughed.
It was honestly such a uniquely shocking experience. I didn’t even know what to do. I don’t believe I was dressed provocatively (are nude tights considered provocative in Italy?). I saw plenty of other girls wearing short dresses some shorter than mine (good for them).
I was excited to be here, but that experience left a really horrible taste. Is this something that happens in Bari Vecchia at night? Has anyone else experienced something similar there?
I’ve been to many Italian cities solo before and never had any problems