Celle di San Vito
Discovering Celle di San Vito
Celle di San Vito is a small municipality located in the Puglia region of Italy's Foggia province. With only 144 inhabitants, it is the least populated municipality in the region. However, what makes it truly special is the use of the Franco-Provençal language, which has been spoken for centuries alongside the neighboring town of Faeto. Together, they constitute the only Franco-Provençal minority in Puglia.
Exploring the Physical Geography
The village is nestled in the Daunia Mountains at an elevation of 726 meters above sea level. Its position overlooks the high valley of the Celone. The municipality extends to the foothills of Mount Cornacchia, the highest peak in Puglia. To the south, it reaches the ancient Camporeale-Foggia trail, Trajan's Way from the Roman era, and the medieval Francigena Way, extending to the Sannoro stream, a tributary of the Cervaro.
Origin of the Name
Celle di San Vito takes its name from the presence in the 13th century of a monastery used as a summer residence by the Benedictine monks of the convent of San Nicola. It was located near the small sanctuary dedicated to Saint Vitus, located on the mountain of the same name overlooking the town.
The History of the Municipality
The municipality was founded around 1300 and lost its autonomy since 1440 when it was annexed to the Barony of Val Maggiore. The latter also included Castelluccio Valmaggiore and Faeto. During the centuries, the barony belonged to various chartered houses, including the Carafa and Caracciolo. Only at the beginning of the 19th century, with the abolition of feudalism, the municipality regained full autonomy. Until the 18th century, Celle belonged to the Principality of Ultra. In the four-year period of 1743-46, it was also subject to the territorial jurisdiction of the Royal Consulate of Commerce of Ariano Irpino.
Monuments and Places of Interest
To the south of the town center, near the border with Faeto, is the historic San Vito farmhouse, located at the foot of the mountain of the same name. The farmhouse sits along the Camporeale-Foggia trail, which follows the ancient Trajan's Way and medieval Francigena Way. Nearby, you can admire the Castiglione, a steep hill where, in the medieval era, a large fortress once stood: the castle of Crepacore. Although the San Vito farmhouse was located in Faeto territory, the small homonymous church was managed by the clergy of Castelluccio. However, starting in 1890, the municipality of Celle di San Vito gained the full right to manage both the church and the annual festival of Saint Vitus. The latter was abolished in 1955. The municipality of Celle di San Vito has committed to rebuilding the church, which was completed around 2015.
Society
Demographic Evolution
Celle di San Vito has only 144 inhabitants, making it the least populated municipality in the Puglia region. Nevertheless, this does not prevent it from being a place rich in history and charm.
Languages and Dialects
Together with neighboring Faeto, the municipality constitutes the so-called "Daunia Arpitana," the only Franco-Provençal linguistic island in peninsular Italy. The use of the Franco-Provençal language, originating from the northwestern Alps, is attested to since 1566. However, it probably dates back to the Angevin incursions in southern Italy during the 13th century.
Celle di San Vito is a truly special place, where history and culture harmoniously blend with the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Visiting this municipality means immersing oneself in a unique and authentic reality.
