Happy TravellerWelcome to Lucera, a beautiful city located in the province of Foggia in the Apulia region of Italy. With a population of 34,243, Lucera is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists. However, this charming city has a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious local cuisine that make it a must-visit destination. Join us as we explore the many treasures of Lucera and discover why it should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Lucera is located on a flat knoll in the Tavoliere Plains, near the foot of the Daunian Mountains. The city is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, with long, hot summers and mild winters. The average annual temperature is around 15 °C (59 °F), and rainfall amounts to an average value of 497 millimetres (19.6 in). Snowfalls are rare, making it an ideal destination to visit year-round.
Lucera has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The city was founded by the Daunii tribe, and archeological excavations show the presence of a Bronze Age village inside the city boundaries. Lucera was probably named after either Lucius, a mythical Daunian king, or a temple dedicated to the goddess Lux Cereris. In 321 BC, the Roman army was deceived into thinking Lucera was under siege by the Samnites. The Samnites occupied Lucera but were thrown out after a revolt. The city sought Roman protection and in 320 BC was granted the status of Colonia Togata, which meant it was ruled by the Roman Senate. From then on, Lucera was known as a steadfast supporter of Rome.
During the civil wars of the late Republic, Pompey set up his headquarters in Lucera, but abandoned the city when Julius Caesar approached. Lucera quickly switched its allegiance and Caesars clemency spared it from harm. In the next civil war between Octavian and Mark Anthony the city did not escape as lightly. After the war, Octavian settled many veteran soldiers on the lands of the ruined city. This helped Lucera recover quickly and marked an era of renewed prosperity. Many of the surviving Roman landmarks hail from this Augustan period, among them the Luceran amphitheatre.
Lucera has a unique history during the Islamic period. In 1224, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, responding to religious uprisings in Sicily, expelled all Muslims from the island, transferring many to Lucera (Lugêrah, as it was known in Arabic) over the next two decades. In this controlled environment, they could not challenge royal authority and they benefited the crown in taxes and military service. Their numbers eventually reached between 15,000 and 20,000, leading Lucera to be called Lucaera Saracenorum because it represented the last stronghold of Islamic presence in Italy. During peacetime, Muslims in Lucera were predominantly farmers. They grew durum wheat, barley, legumes, grapes and other fruits. Muslims also kept bees for honey. The colony thrived for 75 years until it was sacked in 1300 by Christian forces under the command of Giovanni Pippino di Barletta, with the acquiescence of Charles II of Naples. The majority of the city’s Muslim inhabitants were slaughtered or sold into slavery, or exiled, with many finding asylum in Albania across the Adriatic Sea. Their abandoned mosques were demolished, and churches were usually built in their place, including the cathedral of S. Maria della Vittoria.
Lucera has many sights to see, including the Roman Amphitheater, dating to Augustus times and one of the largest in southern Italy. It was discovered in 1932 and measures c. 131 by 99 metres (430 by 325 ft), of elliptical plan, and could host from 16,000 to 18,000 spectators. The medieval Castle, the Church of St. Francis, the Cathedral, built in 1300 on the grounds of the last standing medieval mosque in Italy, which had been destroyed the same year, the Church of the Carmen, the Church of St. Dominic, the Church of St. Antony the Abbot, whose dome was once part of the city’s mosque, and the Church of St. John the Baptists. Lucera is also home to the Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) wine of Cacce mmitte di Lucera. This red Italian wine is said to have gotten its name from the local dialect referring to the act of pouring a wine from cask to goblet and going back for seconds. The DOC includes 80 hectares (198 acres) of land around the commune with all grapes destined for DOC wine production needing to be harvested to a yield no greater than 14 tonnes/ha. The wine is made primarily (35-60%) from the Uva di Troia grape (known in Lucera under the synonym Sumarello), Montepulciano, Sangiovese and Malvasia nera (the latter three grapes collectively making up between 25-35% of the blend). White wine grape varieties are also permitted in this red wine with Trebbiano Toscano, Bombino bianco and Malvasia del Chianti collectively allowed to account for between 15-30% of the blend. The finished wine must attain a minimum alcohol level of 11.5% in order to be labelled with the Cacce mmitte di Lucera DOC designation.
In conclusion, Lucera is a hidden gem that is waiting to be discovered. With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious local cuisine, it is a must-visit destination for any traveler. Whether you are interested in ancient history, medieval architecture, or simply want to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, Lucera has something for everyone. So why not book your trip today and experience the magic of Lucera for yourself?
