Pictorial tourist map of Bari and the surrounding parts of central Puglia. Published by the Italian National Tourist Agency (ENIT) shortly before Italy's entry into WW2, this map is surprisingly optimistic and joyful with photographs of local landmarks and crowds enjoying the seaside. The region's agricultural wealth and natural beauty are highlighted in the illustrations on the map alongside local historic buildings and coastal resorts.

The descriptive text on the back of the map is printed in six languages, suggesting that this map was aimed at both international and domestic tourists. A brief history of the region is given from Roman times to the 'modern' era, culminating in a few lines of Fascist propaganda about how the city had flourished during the 20 years of Mussolini's rule. The map is also dated using both the standard Gregorian calendar (1940) and the Italian Fascist calendar (year XVIII), adopted in 1927.

Printed colour. [IT3528]