Historical capital of the Gargano, with its shrine of St. Michele where the Archangel is said to have miraculously appeared in 492-493. Monte Sant’Angelo has always attracted pilgrims from near and far, and has been visited by popes, emperors and saints. On September 29th a group of pilgrims walk to Monte Sant’Angelo going along the ancient path of Sammichelari. Another monument worth mentioning is the Tomba di Rotari.
There are the adjacent churches of S. Pietro and S. Maria, and the Castello, built by the Normans.
The “Museum of arts and popular traditions”, where the folklore of the Gargano promontory is well documented is also worth mentioning. From Monte Sant’Angelo along a panoramic road with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Manfredonia anf the Tavoliere it is possible to visit the ruins of the ancient abbey of Santa Maria di Pulsano.
Mattinata:
Surrounded by olive groves, the town was built on the coast in a valley.
It was fairly important in Roman times when ships loaded with oil and wine set out from its port. The ruins of a villa discovered near the tiny port date back to Roman times but the area was inhabited much earlier as the traces of a Bronze Age settlement discovered on the close-by Monte Saraceno demonstrate.
Visit the chemist’s Sansone which preserves interesting archaeological finds.
Althought not refusing its rural origins, nowadays the town, with its outlets to the sea at Mattinatella and Baia delle Zagare, has become a seaside resort.
Vico del Gargano:
Town of love! With its characteristic Vicolo del Bacio in the old town, described as one of the nicest of the Gargano. The countryside Vichese is the most interesting of the promontory but it is known especially for its citruses.
The picturesque town is enriched by the ruins of a Castello which formed part of the defence system solicited by Fredrick II. In the old town you can also visit Tappeto Maratea, Il Palazzo della Bella, Il Convento dei Cappuccini, with its famous millenary oak, and La Chiesa Madre.
Don’t forget to visit Monte Tabor, 200 metres far from the church having the same name, and Monte Pucci near the railway station of Calenella, towards the coast road San Menaio – Rodi Garganico (level crossing).
Peschici:
The town was built atop a rock which drops sharply down to the sea. Little is known about its origin but legends tells that the town was founded by Sueripolo, captain of a fleet of Slavonians. Not far from the town stands the abbey of Santa Maria di Calena which was very important in past times.
In the old town there is the medieval castle, the characteristic houses perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, rupestrian houses and the charming Church of S. Michele. Along the road towards Rodi Garganico there is the tower of Monte Pucci. Peschici has got a wonderful Trabucco that you can visit if you are fond of fishing.
The patronal festival is St. Elia, in July.
Vieste:
An important tourist resort on a rocky promontory at the eastern end of the Gargano and one of the most ancient towns in the Daunia.
The first settlement in the area where Vieste now stands dates back to between the X and VI century B.C. The origins of its name are uncertain; some say it derives from the presence of a temple dedicated to Vesta, others from the Roman name of Apeneste. The Castello, at the top of the town, dates from the 16th century. The Cattedrale is particulary interesting and was built in the Pugliese Romanic shape on the site of an old pagan temple. In the XVI and XVII centuries it was sacked many times by Turkish; the most dramatic incursion was that of 1554 when 70 inhabitants were deported and several hundreds citizens were beheaded on a stone (“Chiang amer”), which is still preserved in the old town centre.
A visit at the two museums of the town could also turn out to be very interesting; the first one exhibits many tombs coming from the necropolis of S. Salvatore, and the second one exhibits about 11500 shells known throughout the world.
Before leaving the ancient part of the town, you can visit some characteristic shops where to buy local products.
The coast between Vieste and Peschici has got a great number of Trabucchi, suggestive wooden fishing structures which represent a tourist attraction.
Leaving Vieste by sea you can visit many grottos such as La Salata, a natural and archaeological reserve 7 km far from Vieste, on the coast road Vieste - Peschici.
The patronal festival, S. Maria, is in May.
Escursioni:
Sea Grottos, Tremiti Islands, Foresta Umbra, Castellana Grottos, Trani, Alberobello Trulli, San Giovanni Rotondo (Shrine of Padre Pio), Monte Sant'Angelo, early Christian necropolis "La Salata", Peschici, Vieste.
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