The port of Barletta, most likely built at the same time as the city, dates to the 2nd-4th century AD, when a new pier was built to provide nearby Canosa with an outlet to the sea.
The humanist Giovanni Pontano traced the construction of the port to Byzantine emperor Heraclius. The interpretation of certain documents suggests that the Colossus, currently at the Holy Sepulchre, was initially located in the port of Barletta.
In Swabian and Angevin times, the port was maintained by the Crown, including various renovations and, in the 14th century, its reconstruction. Under the Aragonese dynasty this expense passed entirely to the city.
Further works in the area, including the construction of the lighthouse, were carried out in the 18th and 19th centuries, followed by the construction of the new port in 1880-1889.
The ancient Porta Marina can be admired near the port.