Lucera

This is one of the most historic cities in the “Capitanata” region, with a millennia-long history rooted in the Roman and medieval eras, including the presence of a large Saracen colony. Situated on a hill overlooking the “Tavoliere delle Puglie”, Lucera offers a perfect blend of cultural heritage, historic architecture, and breathtaking scenery.

Lucera is an ideal destination for those who love history, art, and the Apulian landscapes less frequented by mass tourism.

Points of interest:

• The Roman Amphitheatre: This is one of the southern Italy largest amphitheatre, built in the 1st century BC with a capacity of 18 thousand spectators. It is the symbol of Roman style of Lucera and an extraordinary example of ancient engineering.

• The Swabian-Angevin Fortress: Built by Frederick II of Swabia and later expanded by the Angevins, it dominates the city and offers a spectacular panoramic view. Its imposing walls tell centuries of military history.

• Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral: A rare example of Angevin Gothic in Apulia, it is built in the 13th century on the site of an ancient mosque and bears witness to the cultural stratification of the city.

• Civic Museum Fiorelli: It houses a vast collection of archaeological finds and works of art. ideal for those who wish to delve deeper into the history of Lucera and the surrounding area.

• The Saracen Quarter: A characteristic area that recalls the period in which Frederick II had a Muslim community settled, creating a rare example of interreligious coexistence in the European Middle Ages.

Curiosity:

• Lucera was the seat of one of the most important Muslim colonies in medieval Europe, established by Frederick II to ensure loyalty and order in the region.

• The city is often called the “city of light”, a poetic reference linked to its elevated position and the brightness of the typical days of the “Tavoliere”.

• It is also famous for its wine production, in particular the “Cacc’e Mmitte di Lucera”, a DOC wine that tells the story of the local peasant culture.