Castelluccio Valmaggiore
Welcome to Castelluccio Valmaggiore, a hidden gem in Puglia
Welcome to Castelluccio Valmaggiore, a town of about 1200 inhabitants located in the province of Foggia, in Puglia. This splendid hamlet is characterized by its charming location, the historic Byzantine Castle and the beauty of the surrounding area.
The physical geography of Castelluccio Valmaggiore
The town dominates the wide concave valley where the Celone river flows, which originates from the Aquilone source (near Mount San Vito) at an altitude of 1,000 m above sea level. As the stream descends towards the valley between the mountains of Daunia, it receives the waters of the Foce, Feudo and Freddo streams and other tributaries, to finally reach the Candelaro river.
The origins of the name
The name Castelluccio Valmaggiore derives from "Castrum Vallis Maioris", meaning the castle built by the Byzantines around the year 1000 in a position to dominate the Valmaggiore, that is the upper valley of the Celone.
The history of the town
Since 1440, Castelluccio Valmaggiore was annexed to the barony of Val Maggiore, which also included Celle di San Vito and Faeto. The barony belonged, over the centuries, to different families, among which the Carafa and Caracciolo stand out, until the beginning of the 19th century when, after the abolition of feudalism, the town regained its autonomy.
Monuments and places of interest
The tower of the Byzantine Castle, 20 meters high, is the only surviving element of the ancient castle and is one of the main places of interest in the town. The tower is made of local stone bound with litocolla and the thickness of the circular walls is 2.50 meters. Medieval architecture lovers will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view from the top of the tower.
In addition to the Byzantine Castle, the town is rich in other monuments of historical and cultural value, such as the church of Castelluccio, which features a portal with heraldic signs without a date.
Society and culture of Castelluccio Valmaggiore
The town of Castelluccio Valmaggiore does not belong to the Franco-Provençal minority in Puglia; in its municipal territory, the dialects of Puglia are spoken alongside Italian.
The town has joined the European Association of the Francigena Ways, thanks to its historical-geographical relevance.
Conclusions
Castelluccio Valmaggiore is a town that offers history and architecture enthusiasts the opportunity to discover the hidden treasures of ancient Puglia. Its charming location, the beauty of the surrounding area and its millenary history make it a place to visit at least once in a lifetime. Come and discover Castelluccio Valmaggiore and let yourself be conquered by its beauty.
