Province of Foggia, Puglia, Italy

In the heart of the Tavoliere plateau, the city has a modern look, also because of the destruction from a terrible earthquake in the 18th century and World War II bombings.

It is a communication and industrial center and the main wheat market of Southern Italy. The town is much devoted to San Padre Pio although he was from Campania. Foggia is famous for its watermelons and tomatoes.

Info

Altitude: 74 m a.s.l -- -->Population: ca. 145,000 inhabitants -- Zip/postal code: 71100 -- Phone Area Code: 0881 -- Patron Saint: Madonna dei Sette Veli celebrated on 22 march -- Frazioni & Localities: Borgo Mezzanone, Arpinova, L'Incoronata, Cervaro, Tavernola, Segezia

History

First mentioned in 1069, derives its name from the Latin "fovea", meaning "pit", or huge holes dug in the squares of the city where the grain was stored. The city was also a favorite residence of Emperor Frederick II. An earthquake in 1731 destroyed much of Foggia.

What to see

Cathedral Madonna dei Sette Veli, begun in 1170 and rebuilt after the earthquake, still mantains its Romanesque facade with mullioned windows. Inside there is the byzanthine statue of the Icona Venere, representing the virgin Mary, that the legent says was found by shephers in the waters of a nearby marsh.
Monument to Umberto Menotti Maria Giordano, (Foggia, 26 Aug. 1867 - Milan, 12 Nov. 1948) the famous composer from Foggia, author among other operas, of the famous "Andrea Chénier".
The church of Calvario, built in the late 17th century, preceded by five chapels with domes.
Palazzo Arpi, rebuilt over the 13th-century residence of Frederick II, hosting the Museo Civico with archelogical and early Christian items, as well as sections of contemporary art, folk traditions, and an Umberto Giordano section.

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