Overview
Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club
Rocchetta Sant’Antonio is the last village in the province of Foggia, located at the border with Campania and Basilicata. With very ancient origins and surrounded by fields of wheat that change the landscape with every season, the village is distinguished by the D’Aquino Castle from the 1500s, which has a polygonal shape and is an interesting example of Renaissance architecture. The castle features a pointed tower shaped like the bow of a ship, which adorns the entire structure, likely built based on a design by Francesco Di Giorgio Martini.
In the historic center, various medieval and Renaissance buildings alternate with small houses, creating a harmonious and typical atmosphere. The higher part of the center, closer to the Norman foundation, with streets leading to the castle, has a more medieval style. A visit to the Mother Church, dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a must. It was built between 1754 and 1768 and is home to majestic altars and several remarkable works of art, such as the Madonna del cardellino by Giaquinto. The bell tower is also striking, with an octagonal tower topped by a small, cusped, maiolica-covered dome.
The strong religious character of the village is also evident in churches such as the Church of Maddalena, Santa Maria delle Grazie, and San Giuseppe, as well as in various festivals like the Feast of Sant’Antonio Abate, the feast of the co-patrons, San Rocco and the Madonna del Pozzo. The village is also known for its numerous fountains, particularly the Pescarella fountain, which springs water with a sweetish taste and beneficial effects.
The typical products loved by locals that a visitor cannot miss are the taralli and scaldatelli (be sure to try those from the Santoro bakery and tarallificio) and cheeses (the Gisoldo dairy is a faithful keeper of tradition), possibly paired with wild asparagus, celebrated in April during the Festival of the same name.
71020 Rocchetta Sant'Antonio FG, Italia
