It sits at the center of the 'Tavoliere' and has always been an important crossroads. Its peak was in 15th century following a period of rule by Frederick II who liked to hunt in the nearby forest.

From the 16th century it declined, was sacked by the French, rebelled to no effect against the Spanish and was virtually destroyed by an earthquake in 1731. The Civic Museum chronicles this history and is part of a number of itineraries suggested by the Comune di Foggia on their colorful website.

The Tavoliere plain, as the name suggests, is a huge flat plain which dominates the northern part of the region.

Five main agricultural centers serve the plain and they offer a notable contrast to the Gargano area we have highlighted. They are Lucera, Troia, Bovino, Ascoli Satriano and Cerignola. Visitors to Lucera and Troia should look out for the local olive oil and DOC wine 'Cacc'è mmitte'.

Bovino lives up to its name with its production of lean sausages and hams while the area of Ascoli Satriano and Cerignola is noted for its grain production as well as a DOC red.

The province is known locally as 'Capitanata'. Its northern borders, the Daunia, are in stark contrast to the flat plain. They form a hilly border and are no less interesting than anything similar you may have seen in Tuscany or Umbria.

Named after the Greek King Daunus, who came from Arcadia. the zone is of incredibe historical importance. It was here, for example, that William the Conquerer defeated the bickering Byzantines and Papal forces to secure the zone for his Norman Kingdom. To all effects, it became a dry run for his conquest of England at the Battle of Hastings not long after.

www.dauniadafavola.it