In 1865, after the Suez channel was opened, the railway which connected Bari with Brindisi was completed. The Indian Mail, which connected London with the Eastern World, used this way for over 40 years before setting sail from our harbour.
Unfortunately the First World War led the Indian Mail to prefer the port of Marseilles for security reasons and the social, economical and commercial welfare, that B. had been enjoying for so long, began to suffer the consequences of this big change.
In 1915, in consequence of an attack, about 400 sailors died for the explosion of the magazine on the battleship Benedetto Brin.
After the end of the I World War the town was conferred the War Cross for loyalty and courage against naval raids and air bombing. The statement was signed by the admiral Paolo Thaon De Revel who was given the freedom of the city.