Sunlit altar inside a historic church in Bari, Puglia, Italy.

✦ City Guide · Bari

Bari Travel Guide: Where to Eat, Stay & Explore in Puglia's Capital

A local's guide to Bari's seafront old town, hand-shaped orecchiette, street-food alleys, and the day trips that make Puglia unforgettable.

Last updated July 1, 202614 min read

✦ Quick answer

Base yourself in Bari Vecchia (the old town) or the walkable Murat quarter for the best of the city on foot. Bari is famous for hand-shaped orecchiette pasta, focaccia barese, and fried panzerotti, best sampled on a street-food walk through the old town's alleys. Two to three days lets you see the city and take a day trip to Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, or Matera.

Bari is the salty, sun-bleached capital of Puglia, a port city where fishermen still haul their catch onto the quay at dawn and grandmothers roll orecchiette on wooden boards in the street. For years travelers used it only as a ferry gateway to Greece and Croatia. That is changing fast, and rightly so: Bari has become one of southern Italy's most rewarding city breaks.

The heart of it is Bari Vecchia, a maze of whitewashed alleys wrapped by sea walls, holding the Basilica di San Nicola (which guards the bones of the saint who became Santa Claus) and the Norman-Swabian Castle. Beyond the old town, the grid-planned Murat quarter brings elegant 19th-century avenues, shops, and a long seafront promenade that locals walk every evening.

This is a city best understood through its food: raw sea urchins cracked open on the port, panzerotti fried to order, focaccia barese heavy with tomatoes and olives, and pasta that is still made by hand in full view of passersby. Bari rewards the curious traveler who slows down and eats like a local.

Best time to visit

May, June, September, and early October are ideal: warm, dry days in the low-to-mid 20s Celsius, swimmable sea, and thinner crowds than midsummer. July and August are hot (often above 32C) and busy, though the seafront stays lively late into the night. The Festa di San Nicola (around May 7-9) is Bari's biggest event, with a procession that carries the saint's statue to the sea. Winters are mild but quieter, with many beach clubs and boat tours closed.

Getting around

Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (BRI) sits about 8 km northwest of the center; the FM2 train and the Tempesta airport bus both reach Bari Centrale in 15-25 minutes for a few euros, and a taxi runs roughly 25 to 30 euros. The city center is flat and very walkable, so you rarely need transport once you are in. Trains from Bari Centrale (Trenitalia and the private Ferrovie del Sud Est) fan out to Polignano, Monopoli, and beyond. Skip driving in the old town; if you rent a car for day trips, park outside the center.

✦ Where to stay

Neighborhoods & hotels

Bari Vecchia (Old Town)The atmospheric core, all stone alleys, tiny churches, and street-food counters, steps from the basilica and castle. Best for first-timers who want to be in the middle of the action, though nights can be noisy and rooms are mostly small guesthouses and B&Bs.

MuratThe orderly 19th-century grid between the old town and the train station, with the main shopping street (Via Sparano), restaurants, and easy walking everywhere. The most practical, comfortable base for most visitors.

Lungomare / Libertà seafrontAlong the grand seaside promenade south of the center, home to several larger hotels and sea views. Good for travelers who want a calmer, more spacious stay and don't mind a 10-15 minute walk to the old town.

Hotel Adriamidrange Google

4.2 · 624 reviews

A reliable, well-reviewed mid-range hotel near Bari Centrale station, handy for day-trip trains and a flat walk to Murat and the old town. Comfortable modern rooms and good value for the location.

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iH Hotels Bari Orientemidrange Google

4.2 · 1,048 reviews

A dependable four-star on Corso Cavour in the Murat quarter, walking distance to the seafront and old town. Solid rooms, breakfast included, and a central position that suits sightseeing and shopping.

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Nicolaus Hotel Barifamily friendly Google

4.6 · 6,017 reviews

A larger hotel a little outside the very center with more spacious rooms and parking, a good pick for families or drivers doing Puglia day trips. Expect a short taxi or bus ride into the old town.

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Grande Albergo delle Nazioniluxury Google

4.5 · 2,030 reviews

Bari's landmark five-star on the seafront Lungomare, with sea-view rooms, a rooftop pool, and a polished spa. The splurge choice for a special stay with the promenade at your doorstep.

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✦ After dark

Best Coffee in Bari

Bari takes its espresso seriously, often paired with almond-milk drinks and small pastries. Order at the counter and stand for the local price.

Caffè Borghese Google

4.2 · 613 reviews · Murat

Opening hours

Monday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM

A well-loved central bar known for expertly pulled espresso and Puglia's beloved caffè leccese (espresso poured over almond milk and ice). Popular with locals in the morning and again for an afternoon pick-me-up. An espresso runs about 1.10 to 1.50 euros at the bar.

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Caffè Barbarossa Google

4.9 · 285 reviews · Bari Vecchia

Opening hours

Monday: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday: 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM

A tucked-away spot near the old town serving strong espresso and Apulian pastries in a relaxed setting. Good for a quiet coffee away from the busiest tourist alleys.

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✦ Eat & drink

Where to Eat Breakfast & Sweets

An Italian breakfast here means something sweet with coffee, but Bari's savory specialties make a memorable morning too.

Panificio Fiore Google

4.6 · 3,696 reviews · Bari Vecchia

Opening hours

Monday: 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

A historic bakery in the old town turning out classic focaccia barese, puffy and generous with tomato and olives, from a wood oven. Grab a warm square for a few euros and eat it on the walk; it is one of Bari's quintessential bites.

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Il Rustico di Bari Google

4.6 · 3,165 reviews · Murat

Closed Sundays

Opening hours

Monday: 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Thursday: 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Friday: 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Saturday: 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Sunday: Closed

Home of the rustico barese, a flaky pastry filled with tomato, mozzarella, and bechamel, plus focaccia and other savory morning snacks. Cheap, fast, and deeply local.

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✦ After dark

Best Restaurants in Bari

Seafood, hand-shaped pasta, and vegetable-forward Apulian cooking define the table here. Reserve for dinner in high season.

Terranima Google

4.3 · 1,274 reviews · Murat

Opening hours

Monday: 12:00 - 3:30 PM, 7:00 - 11:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM, 7:00 - 11:30 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 - 3:30 PM, 7:00 - 11:30 PM
Thursday: 12:00 - 3:30 PM, 7:00 - 11:30 PM
Friday: 12:00 - 3:30 PM, 7:00 - 11:30 PM
Saturday: 12:00 - 3:30 PM, 7:00 - 11:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 - 5:00 PM

A warm, characterful trattoria in the Murat quarter serving true cucina barese: orecchiette with cime di rapa, fava bean puree with wild chicory, and daily antipasti. A dependable place to taste the classics; mains and pasta run roughly 10 to 16 euros. Reserve for dinner.

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Le Travi - Il Buco Google

4.0 · 914 reviews · Bari Vecchia

Closed Mondays

Opening hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12:45 - 3:00 PM, 8:00 - 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 12:45 - 3:00 PM, 8:00 - 10:30 PM
Thursday: 12:45 - 3:00 PM, 8:00 - 10:30 PM
Friday: 12:45 - 3:00 PM, 8:00 - 10:30 PM
Saturday: 12:45 - 3:00 PM, 8:00 - 10:30 PM
Sunday: 1:30 - 3:00 PM

A characterful spot in the heart of the old town known for honest, home-style Apulian dishes and seafood. Cozy and popular with locals, so booking ahead helps in the evenings.

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La Uascezze Google

4.4 · 3,782 reviews · Bari Vecchia

Opening hours

Monday: 7:45 - 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:45 - 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:45 - 11:00 PM
Thursday: 7:45 - 11:00 PM
Friday: 7:45 - 11:00 PM
Saturday: 7:45 - 11:00 PM
Sunday: 7:45 - 11:00 PM

A snug old-town restaurant celebrated for traditional Barese plates: fresh orecchiette, braised meats, and seasonal vegetables done simply and well. Small dining room, generous portions, fair prices.

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Al Pescatore Google

4.1 · 3,374 reviews · Bari Vecchia

Opening hours

Monday: 12:30 - 3:00 PM, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:30 - 3:00 PM, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:30 - 3:00 PM, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
Thursday: 12:30 - 3:00 PM, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
Friday: 12:30 - 3:00 PM, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
Saturday: 12:30 - 3:00 PM, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
Sunday: 12:30 - 3:30 PM, 8:30 - 10:30 PM

A long-running seafood restaurant near the castle and the port, strong on raw platters, grilled fish, and shellfish pasta. A step up in price for special-occasion seafood; expect to pay more for whole fish sold by weight.

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Perbacco Google

4.5 · 1,036 reviews · Murat

Closed Mondays & Sundays

Opening hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday: 5:30 - 9:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

A refined trattoria-enoteca praised for creative takes on Puglian ingredients and a strong local wine list. A good choice for a slightly more special dinner without leaving the center.

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✦ After dark

Top Things to Do in Bari

The old town packs Bari's must-sees into a walkable few blocks between the basilica, the castle, and the sea walls.

Basilica di San Nicola Google

4.8 · 23,259 reviews · Bari Vecchia

Opening hours

Monday: 6:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 6:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 6:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Thursday: 6:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Friday: 6:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Saturday: 6:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Sunday: 6:30 AM - 10:30 PM

The Romanesque basilica built in the 1080s to house the relics of St Nicholas, a major pilgrimage site for both Catholic and Orthodox Christians. Free to enter; visit the crypt where the saint's bones lie and note the ornate Bari ciborium. Dress modestly and check for service times.

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Castello Normanno-Svevo Google

4.3 · 3,928 reviews · Bari Vecchia

Closed Mondays

Opening hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

The imposing Norman-Swabian castle founded around 1131 and rebuilt by Frederick II, guarding the western edge of the old town. Worth a visit for the walls, moat, and rotating exhibitions; entry is a few euros.

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Cattedrale di San Sabino Google

4.7 · 6,322 reviews · Bari Vecchia

Opening hours

Monday: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Bari's understated cathedral, a pure Puglian Romanesque church with a famous mosaic floor and an atmospheric crypt. Quieter than San Nicola and free to enter.

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Bari Walking City Tour

Bari Vecchia

A two-hour guided walk through the old town's alleys with a local guide, taking in the basilica, castle, and pasta-making streets, with a taste of focaccia or gelato along the way. A great orientation on your first morning.

★ 4.7 · 588 reviews · from $37.18

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Strada delle Orecchiette (Via Arco Basso)

Bari Vecchia

The famous old-town lane where women shape orecchiette by hand on tables set outside their doors, drying the pasta in trays. Free to wander and watch; you can buy a bag of fresh pasta to take home. Go in the morning when the work is in full swing.

✦ Eat & drink

Food Tours & Cooking Classes

Bari's food culture is best learned by tasting and doing. These small-group experiences are among the city's most popular.

Bari's Ultimate Street Food Tour (Small Group)

Bari Vecchia

A top-rated small-group walk through Bari Vecchia sampling the dishes locals love, from fresh seafood and panzerotti to focaccia and regional wines. A tasty, efficient way to eat your way through the old town with context from a guide. From about $57.

★ 4.9 · 1342 reviews · from $56.94

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Bari Cooking Class: Traditional Focaccia & Orecchiette

Bari Vecchia

A hands-on class in a secret spot near the old town where you make two Apulian icons, focaccia barese and orecchiette, with a local guide. Great for travelers who want to bring the recipes home. From about $80.

★ 4.8 · 126 reviews · from $80.18

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Bari: Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine

Bari Vecchia

Make fresh pasta and tiramisu at a family-owned restaurant a few minutes from Bari Vecchia, with a glass of Prosecco and three local wines included. A relaxed, sociable evening. From about $80.

★ 4.8 · 300 reviews · from $80.18

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The Original Street Food Walking Tour in Bari

Bari Vecchia

An intimate street-food walk that seeks out hidden corners of the old town and introduces you to food and wine producers along the way. A good alternative if the larger tours are booked. From about $43.

★ 4.6 · 232 reviews · from $42.51

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✦ After dark

Bars & Aperitivo

Bari's evenings revolve around the aperitivo and the seafront passeggiata. Start with a spritz around sunset.

Piazza del Ferrarese & Piazza Mercantile

Bari Vecchia

The linked squares at the edge of the old town are the city's nightlife hub, ringed with bars and outdoor tables that fill up from aperitivo onward. Grab a spritz or a local Peroni and watch the crowd; drinks run roughly 5 to 8 euros.

Vineria Santa Teresa dei Maschi

Bari Vecchia

A wine bar in the old town with a strong list of Puglian labels (Primitivo, Negroamaro) and good small plates. A calmer, more grown-up spot for an evening glass.

Lungomare Nazario Sauro

Lungomare

Bari's grand seafront promenade is where locals stroll and gather at dusk. Not a bar itself but the essential evening ritual; pair a walk with a gelato and the sea breeze.

✦ After dark

Best Day Trips from Bari

Bari is the perfect launch pad for Puglia's icons, from cliff-top seaside towns to the trulli of Alberobello and the caves of Matera.

Polignano a Mare Boat Tour (Caves & Aperitif)

Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare, a whitewashed town perched on sea cliffs, is 30-40 minutes from Bari by train. This top-rated small-group boat tour explores its sea caves and coves with an aperitif on board and a swim stop. From about $41.

★ 5.0 · 190 reviews · from $40.67

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Polignano a Mare Caves Boat Tour (Small Group)

Polignano a Mare

A small-group boat trip to Polignano's most beautiful caves, including the famous Grotta Palazzese and Grotta degli Innamorati, viewed from the water. A memorable 90 minutes along the cliffs. From about $41.

★ 4.9 · 484 reviews · from $40.67

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UNESCO's Alberobello & Matera from Bari

Alberobello & Matera

A full-day tour combining two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the conical trulli houses of Alberobello and the ancient cave-dwelling sassi of Matera. A big day but an efficient way to see both without a car. From about $185.

★ 4.6 · 294 reviews · from $184.76

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Alberobello, Monopoli & Polignano Small-Group Tour

Puglia

A guided small-group day trip stringing together three highlights: the fairytale trulli of Alberobello, the harbor town of Monopoli, and cliff-top Polignano a Mare. Ideal if you want a taste of several Puglia towns in one outing.

★ 4.9 · 113 reviews · from $214.97

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Sea Baptism Scuba Experience in Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare

A beginner-friendly first dive in the clear waters off Polignano, guided by instructors, with no experience needed. A special add-on for a beach day on the coast. From about $92.

★ 4.9 · 87 reviews · from $91.80

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✦ Top experiences

Markets & Shopping

From the fish market on the port to the elegant shopping street of Murat, Bari's commerce is part of the experience.

Mercato del Pesce (Molo San Nicola)

Bari Vecchia

The morning fish market on the old harbor, where fishermen sell the catch and crack open sea urchins and raw shellfish for locals. Go early to see it at its liveliest; it is theater as much as shopping.

Via Sparano

Murat

Bari's pedestrianized main shopping avenue in the Murat quarter, lined with Italian and international brands, running from the station toward the old town. The place for a stroll and window-shopping.

Mercato di Santa Scolastica / Mercato Coperto

Murat

Bari's covered market areas are the spot to browse Puglian produce, cheeses, olives, and taralli to bring home. A good stop for edible souvenirs.

✦ Good to know

Before you visit

Getting aroundThe center is flat and walkable, so you can reach nearly everything on foot. Use trains from Bari Centrale for day trips to Polignano, Monopoli, and Alberobello, and download an app like FreeNow for taxis.

MoneyItaly uses the euro. Cards are widely accepted, but carry small cash for street-food stalls, market vendors, and old-town snack counters, several of which are cash only.

SafetyBari is generally safe, but Bari Vecchia's alleys are crowded and petty theft can happen; keep bags zipped and watch pockets in busy spots. Take normal care around the station and port at night.

LanguageItalian is the language, with a strong Barese dialect among locals. English is spoken in hotels and tourist spots but less so in family trattorias; a few Italian phrases go a long way.

EtiquetteCoffee is cheaper standing at the bar and usually drunk quickly; cappuccino is a morning-only drink. Dress modestly when entering the Basilica di San Nicola and other churches (cover shoulders and knees).

TippingTipping is not expected the way it is in the US. Check for a coperto (cover charge) on the bill; rounding up or leaving a euro or two for good service is plenty.

✦ Before you go

Plan-ahead checklist

Book a Bari street-food tour or focaccia-and-orecchiette cooking class in advance, as the best-rated small-group slots fill up in high season. book 1-2 weeks ahead

Reserve a Polignano a Mare caves boat tour ahead in summer; popular departures sell out and boats don't run in poor weather. book a few days ahead

Pre-book the full-day Alberobello and Matera tour if you want to see both UNESCO sites without a car. book 1-2 weeks ahead

If visiting in early May, check dates for the Festa di San Nicola, when the old town is crowded and hotels book up. book months ahead for early May

Reserve dinner tables at popular old-town trattorias like Le Travi and La Uascezze during summer and weekends.

Bari rewards travelers who wander its salt-worn alleys, eat with their hands at a street counter, and let the sea set the pace. Use it as your gateway to Puglia's cliff-top towns and trulli, but give the city itself time to win you over. Pack an appetite and start planning: southern Italy's most honest port city is ready for you.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Bari?

Two to three days is ideal: one to explore Bari Vecchia, the basilica, the castle, and the food scene, and one or two more for day trips to Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, or Matera. Bari itself can be seen in a day, but the surrounding Puglia towns are the main reason to linger.

Where should I stay in Bari?

First-timers who want atmosphere should stay in Bari Vecchia, the old town, while the Murat quarter offers the most convenient, comfortable base near shopping and the station. The seafront Lungomare suits those wanting sea views and larger hotels.

Is Bari worth visiting?

Yes. Bari has a lived-in old town, a superb and affordable food culture built on seafood and hand-shaped pasta, and easy access to some of Puglia's most beautiful towns. It is far more than a ferry port.

What food is Bari known for?

Bari is famous for orecchiette (ear-shaped pasta, especially with cime di rapa), focaccia barese, fried panzerotti, and raw seafood like sea urchins and octopus straight from the port. Street food is central to the experience.

How do you get from Bari airport to the city center?

The FM2 train and the Tempesta airport bus both connect Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport to Bari Centrale in about 15-25 minutes for a few euros. A taxi takes around 15 minutes and costs roughly 25 to 30 euros.

Is Bari expensive?

Bari is one of Italy's better-value cities. Street food snacks cost a few euros, a trattoria meal with pasta and wine often runs 20 to 30 euros per person, and mid-range hotels are cheaper than in northern Italy.

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Bari Travel Guide: Where to Eat, Stay & Explore in Puglia's Capital

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Skip the research, get a day-by-day Bari plan

Best Coffee in Bari

Where to Eat Breakfast & Sweets

Best Restaurants in Bari

Top Things to Do in Bari

Food Tours & Cooking Classes

Bars & Aperitivo

Best Day Trips from Bari

Markets & Shopping

Before you visit

Plan-ahead checklist

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