Faeto
Discover Faeto, the only Franco-Provençal minority in Puglia
If you're looking for a charming and history-rich town to visit, Faeto might be the perfect destination for you. Located in the province of Foggia, Faeto sits on the Daunia mountains, in the high Celone valley.
Physical Geography
Faeto is the second-highest municipality in Puglia, standing at an altitude of 820 meters on the border with Campania. From the heights of the town, you can admire the promontory of Gargano, the Gulf of Manfredonia, and the Tavoliere delle Puglie plain.
Faeto's territory is crossed by the Apennine watershed line, and it extends also on the Tyrrhenian side, including the sources of the Miscano River, a tributary of the Ufita. Behind the town center lies the Faeto Woodland, a great natural high forest with mixed vegetation dominated by fagus silvatica and quercus cerris.
Name Origins and History
The toponym Faeto derives from the abundant natural vegetation dominated by Fagus silvatica. The town was first mentioned in 1343, in a deed of the Capitanata judge. In 1354, Queen Joanna of Anjou assigned Faeto to the diocese of Troia. In the early 1440s, the town lost its autonomy and became annexed to the Barony of Valmaggiore.
The barony belonged to various houses, including the Carafa and Caracciolo; it was only in the early 19th century that, after the abolition of feudalism, the municipality regained full autonomy.
Society
Demographic Evolution
Currently, Faeto has 618 inhabitants.
Languages and Dialects
Faeto and the adjacent town of Celle di San Vito form the only Franco-Provençal minority in Puglia, recognized by the Italian state through law no. 482 of 1999. Being an important linguistic island, there have been multiple studies on the subject, including a research bibliography on the Faeto dialect that is part of the Heritage Language Variation and Change project in Toronto, Canada.
Faeto borders on the southern side with another linguistic island, the Arbëreshë one of Greci.
Culture
Museums
In the historic center of Faeto, inside the Captain's House, you can find the Ethnographic Museum of Francoprovençal Civilization and the Civic Museum of the Territory.
Festivals and Fairs
Faeto is famous for its traditional festival of Saint John the Baptist, held every year on June 24th. During the festival, the town is lit by traditional wooden lanterns and fireworks.
What to Do in Faeto
If you're a nature lover, Faeto is the right place for you. The Faeto Woodland, located behind the town center, offers the chance to take long walks in nature. Alternatively, you can go hiking on the Daunia mountains, or visit the Ethnographic Museum of Francoprovençal Civilization.
Conclusion
Faeto is a hidden gem of Puglia, with a history and culture unique in the world. If you're looking for a different destination, Faeto can offer you everything you need for a holiday of nature and tranquility.
