Manfredonia is a city that contains centuries of history and culture. A fascinating location that offers a unique heritage made up of historic churches and traditions that are handed down from generation to generation. Let yourself be enchanted from the historical and archaeological evolution of the area around the mouth of the Candelaro and the city of Manfredonia, in Puglia.
In Neolithic, numerous villages, such as Monte Aquilone and Coppa Nevigata, were dedicated to agriculture and shellfish harvesting. Important findings at Grotta Scaloria, near Manfredonia, indicate a cult of water and ritual practices, highlighted by decorated vases and structures intended to collect dripping water.
The excavations at Coppa Nevigata have revealed the existence, inBronze Age, of a fortified site with traces of agriculture and defenses such as ditches and walls, later demolished to expand the town. This site, as well as Masseria Cupola, shows signs of residential continuity with findings of ceramics and artefacts that attest to contacts with the Mycenaean and Egyptian world.
Throughout history, Siponto was devastated by various invasions, leading to foundation of Manfredonia in 1256 at the behest of King Manfredi.
The new city, planned with defensive infrastructure and a port, became an important economic center. After centuries of decline, Manfredonia began to recover at the beginning of the 19th century, expanding beyond the ancient walls thanks to improvements in communication routes and trade.
During the Middle Ages and also in the Renaissance, The Via Francigena it connected European pilgrims to Rome and then continued towards the Sanctum Michaelem, with numerous monasteries and abbeys along the route, such as theAbbey of San Leonardo in Lama Volara. Pilgrims also stopped at the basilica of Santa Maria di Siponto before continuing towards Monte Sant'Angelo, crossing valleys and historic sheep tracks.
