The Province of Foggia: The Daunia

The Province of Foggia offers a great variety of sceneries: the sweet hills and vallies of the river Fortore, the Subappennino Dauno and the National Park of Gargano, the lowlands of the Tavoliere of the Apulians and the uncontaminated archipelago of the Tremiti Islands. For years, Foggia, the principal town, has been the centre of the transhumance (the movement of livestock from the mountains to the plains) which is witnessed by the Building of the Customs. The vast province includes 64 communes that have 70,000 inhabitants and it is possible to find evidences of the past of every kind. The "itinerary of the pilgrims" is certainly an important walk to follow as you re-live the past. Following in the footsteps of the pilgrims along the Sacred Way of the Longobardis, one climbs to the Sacred Mountain Sant'Angelo where the cave of the archangel Michael is said to have been the place where the archangel appeared. Today it entertains the pilgrims of Padre Pio who come to St. Giovanni Rotondo seeking cures of all types. Not to be missed are the medieval suburbs of the Subappennino, among which are Alberona, Pietramontecorvino, Sant'Agata di Puglia, Bovino or Faeto; they are true gems hidden in the mountains, and act as custodians of ancient traditions of the agricultural and pastoral cultures. Some of them are considered among the most beautiful small towns in Italy and they have received the orange flag of the Touring Club. At Troia there is a splendid example of Romanesque architecture as seen in the cathedral especially in the rose window, a true wonder of sculptural art. At Lucera the amphitheatre is a must-visit, along with the Castle. It is also the home of one of the most ancient hospitals in Italy, Saint Maria of the Graces. The Cathedral of Cerignola is another splendid church. For a journey to the past, the archaeological areas of the ancient Herdonia near Ordona and the Fiorentino Castel near Torremaggiore are most important. The legend of Fredrick II says that he died here. Gargano is truly a natural treasure of Apulia. It is "the spur of Italy", and its small towns overlook the sea, such as, Manfredonia, Vieste, Rodi, Peschici, Vico del Gargano and so many others. Each of these towns hides naturalistic and historical treasures that leave the visitor spellbound.

- Sea and Nature
- Typical products