The people of Bari love to repeat this phrase: If Paris was on the sea, it would look like a small Bari. Obviously, this is an exaggeration, but it tells us a lot about the pride - and sense of humour - in this area. This is a city with a deep sense of history and art, with rich cultural roots and a modern business outlook. An important city under the Greeks, Bari became a Roman municipality, and was later governed by the Saracens, the Venetians, the Normans, the Aragons and finally the Bourbons before becoming part of Italy. As a link between the Greek and Middle-Eastern worlds, Bari experienced its golden age during the medieval period. The glories of that age are perfectly symbolised by the stupendous Cathedral and Church of San Nicholas. The Emperor Augustus Promenade is also worthy of note, it is the main through fare in the city, as is the Nazario Sauro Promenade, which provides a magnificent walkway along the sea front as well as superb views over the city itself. To the left is the S. Nicola jetty, where every year, on the 8 May, the ceremony of the thaumaturgy statue takes place. The statue is taken to sea on a boat where it is worshipped by pilgrims and believers.