Serracapriola
Welcome to Serracapriola!
Hello! Welcome to Serracapriola, a beautiful town in the province of Foggia, in Puglia. Here, on a hill 270 meters above sea level, you can enjoy a Mediterranean climate and a strategic location, close to the sea and the border with Molise. Let's discover together the history and attractions of this enchanting place!
The History of Serracapriola
From origins to the Middle Ages
The origins of Serracapriola date back to the Neolithic period, when numerous fortified villages were located on the surrounding hills. In Roman times, the area was rich in farms and the name of the town originated from the cognomen Capreolus and the toponym "serra", which indicated a hill system that rose from the plain.
Serracapriola then became part of a defensive system of observation and advanced warning created by the last Lombard counts of Larino to counter the expansion of the Catapani of Italy in the eleventh century. In the following years, Serracapriola saw its defensive system strengthened by Frederick II of Swabia and increased its importance as an economic center.
From Norman domination to the present day
The surrounding area was under the sovereignty of the Altavilla, who established their supremacy over the South with the battle near Teanum Apulum Civitate. By the thirteenth century, Serracapriola was already an important center, as evidenced by the "Scadenziere di Capitanata". In the fourteenth century, a political-economic crisis caused the abandonment of many nearby settlements, but Serracapriola continued to prosper.
Today, Serracapriola is a municipality with 3,670 inhabitants, part of the Gargano National Park, whose cultural and artistic heritage attracts numerous visitors.
Attractions of Serracapriola
Convent of the Capuchin Fathers
One of the most important places in Serracapriola is the Convent of the Capuchin Fathers, one of the oldest in Puglia. Here in 1905, St. Pio of Pietrelcina began his theological studies. It is possible to visit his accommodation inside the convent and admire the painting of the Madonna delle Grazie.
Saint Nicholas Church
The Church of Saint Nicholas, built in the twelfth century, is an example of typical Romanesque architecture in Puglia. Inside, you can admire a stone altar and an ancient crypt.
Civic Archaeological Museum
The Civic Archaeological Museum of Serracapriola collects numerous archaeological artifacts found in the surrounding area. Among the most important pieces are ceramics, coins, statues, and a necropolis from the fourth century BC.
Traditional events
Serracapriola is famous for its lively tradition expressed in numerous events throughout the year. Among the most important are the Feast of Saint Andrew (patron saint of the town), the Fair of Saint Nicholas (held on December 6th), and the Wheat Festival (dedicated to the production of hard wheat, one of the economic engines of the town).
Visiting Serracapriola
Serracapriola is ideal for those seeking a peaceful and authentic destination in Puglia. Here you can discover history and art, taste the typical local cuisine (including the famous extra virgin olive oil), and enjoy the crystal-clear sea of the nearby Gargano coast. Come and visit us and let yourself be enchanted by the unique landscapes of Serracapriola!
