Apricena
Welcome to Apricena, the city of stone and legend
Hello everyone, let me introduce you to Apricena, a beautiful town in the province of Foggia, in Puglia. With its 12,600 inhabitants, it is part of the Gargano National Park and offers a variety of natural and architectural wonders to discover.
Physical geography
Territory
Apricena is located between the Tavoliere delle Puglie and the Gargano, 42 km from Foggia. The territory is mainly flat, but also rich in ancient villages and natural beauties.
Seismicity
The territory of Apricena is an integral part of seismic zone 2 in Italy, with medium seismicity. The city suffered serious damage from the Capitanata earthquake of 1627.
Climate
Apricena is in climate zone D, with its 1,401 degree days. This means that the heating can only be turned on for 10 hours a day from November 15th to March 31st.
Origin of the name
Apricena, or La Prucìne in Foggiano dialect, owes its name to a legend that tells the foundation of the city by the Emperor Frederick II of Swabia. According to the legend, the emperor organized a banquet of wild boar meat (apri coena) and decided to build a residence in the same place. However, the legend lacks foundation, since the toponym has been attested since 1156 with the form ''Precina'', the etymology of which remains obscure.
History
Apricena has a long and glorious history, even though the Capitanata earthquake of 1627 caused serious damage to the city and its population. Nevertheless, the historic center of Apricena still preserves many monuments and places of interest.
Monuments and places of interest
In the heart of the city, there are many monuments, such as the Baronial Palace or Torriolo, the Clock Tower, the Cross of Piazza dei Mille, the Convent near the Municipal Villa and the Mother Church of Saints Martino and Lucia. But the wonders of Apricena don't stop there. In the apricenese countryside, it is possible to visit the ruins of Castelpagano, Santa Maria di Selva della Rocca, and those of the monastery of San Giovanni in Piano.
Archeological Sites
In the stone quarrying area of Franco Dell'Erba, one of the most important archeological sites in Europe was discovered: the traces of the oldest human in Europe. Along with fossils of more than 100 different species dating back to the upper Villafranchian, many lithic artifacts were also found. These finds authenticate the hypothesis that Hominidae arrived in Europe from Asia and not from the Strait of Gibraltar as previously thought.
Conclusions
Apricena is a city that deserves to be visited for its beauty, history, and the legend that surrounds it. A magical place immersed in nature and history, surrounded by the extraordinary stone of Apricena, which has made the city famous all over the world. Come and discover Apricena, you will be fascinated!
