Foggia, founded during the Middle Ages, was the capital of Capitanata area. Located right in the centre of a vast plain (Tavoliere) the city soon became a vantage point and one of the most prestigious centres in the area. Under the reign of Frederick II, Foggia became the favourite residence of the Emperor Frederik II who built a fortified castle there.

Today the archivolt of the main entrance and an inscription mark the place where the building once stood.
PALAZZO DOGANA
At the crossroad of the ancient tratturi (cattle tracks) stands the noteworthy group of buildings known as The Calvario or "Chiesa delle Croci" together with Palazzo Dogana built in the 18th century which today houses the offices of the Provincial Government.

"CATTEDRALE"

Furthermore Foggia is well known for its museums and its buzzing
cultural life.

Besides the Teatro (theatre) named after the city's great composer Umberto Giordano, the town boasts various museums: the Museo Civico houses notable archaeological finds referring to the ancient Daunia town; the Museo Provinciale di Storia Naturale (Natural History Museum) houses an interesting faunistic section, a laboratory and a conference room.
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The well-known Conservatorio (Conservatory) is attended by many students. Last but not least is the Cathedral, founded in the 12th century consecrated to S. Maria Icona Vetere, also known as Madonna dei Sette Veli, the patron saint of the town.

"VILLA COMUNALE E PIAZZA CAVOUR"
"TEATRO GIORDANO"

Continuing to the Adriatic coast from Foggia, you will reach the rocky spur of Gargano and the town of Manfredonia, built around the castle of Frederik and lying on the vast gulf.

"CHIESA DI S. LEONARDO (SIPONTO)"
"PARCO ARCHEOLOGICO DI SIPONTO (MANFREDONIA)"

The town of Mattinata, with its white-washed stone houses, is surrounded by a lush Mediterranean vegetation stretching down to the coast, plunging towards the azure and turquoise waters of the rich waters of the Adriatic sea that washes some lovely beaches.

" MATTINATA "
" BAIA DELLE ZAGARE (MATTINATA)"

" LUCERA: CASTLE"
"TROIA: ROSONE DELLA CATTEDRALE"

Continuing along the coast (more than 30 Km long) right in the middle of the coastal strip you will find the town of Vieste, one of the oldest towns of the ancient Daunia. Today Vieste has become a modern holiday resort attracting many tourists from all over the world.

In S. Giovanni Rotondo the grave of Padre
Pio and the Convento dei Frati Minori Capuccini
- housing the friar's mortal remains - are visited
by thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. Built by the wish and through the efforts of Father Pio himself (who will be shortly proclaimed a Saint), the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza (House for the Relief of Suffering) is a notable monument of Christian charity and represents the glory of our province.
" PADRE PIO "
" VIESTE "


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