Holiday apartment in Ischitella: Nature, history and Lago di Varano

Ischitella is part of the Gargano National Park and combines natural landscapes, sacred art and an unusually long history. This combination makes the town particularly interesting if, while on holiday, you want to discover not only a landscape but also its cultural traces.

Beech forests in the Gargano National Park

The natural landscape is characterised by two noteworthy elevations. In the Folicara beech forest, beech trees grow at 160 metres above sea level. In the Bosco di Ischitella, beech trees already grow at around 250 metres above sea level. Both figures refer to beech populations and give you a concrete idea of how the area's natural features extend across different elevations. If you choose your holiday apartment in Ischitella according to your preferred holiday interests, these woodland areas can shape the nature-focused part of your plans.

Medieval traces and early history

Two round defensive towers from the medieval town walls have been preserved in Ischitella's historic centre. Another testament to the town's history is the Palazzo Pinto–Ventrella: it was built in 1714 over the ruins of the former castle of Ischitella.

However, the history goes back much further. Based on the finds, the necropolis of Monte Civita in Ischitella is dated to the period from the 5th to the 4th century BC. The Ipogei di Masseria Niuzi consist of three underground structures. This gives your stay a cultural focus that ranges from archaeological evidence to visible buildings in the historic centre.

Churches, art and the Crocifisso di Varano

Several churches each have their own distinctive character. The Chiesa della SS Annunziata is also known as the Chiesa del Crocefisso di Varano. It was built in the 10th century, extended in the 16th century and is located on the shores of Lago di Varano. The Crocifisso di Varano is a Gothic-Romanesque polychrome wooden crucifix from the 14th century.

In the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore, you will find three naves and statues from the 18th and 19th centuries. The church of the San Francesco convent contains works of art from the 18th century. These different periods and forms make Ischitella a destination where you can combine sacred spaces, works of art and regional history without losing sight of the Gargano's natural setting.

An old tradition and regional orientation

The procession of the Crocifisso di Varano has taken place regularly every year on the same day since 1717. Several bus routes also serve the Gargano area. When choosing your holiday apartment in Ischitella, you can therefore take into account both your preferred nature and cultural themes and the regional orientation of your trip.

Other places to consider

For further comparison in the Gargano, you can also include Pugnochiuso, Motta Montecorvino, Bovino, Vico Del Gargano, Faeto, Accadia, Foce Varano and Rodi Garganico in your plans.

For the overarching travel overview: Foggia.