Holiday apartment in Poggio Imperiale: churches, festivals and lagoon landscapes

Poggio Imperiale combines religious history, unusual local festivals, regional cuisine and the landscape of the Lesina Lagoon. An important focal point is the Chiesa di San Placido Martire, the main place of religious devotion in Poggio Imperiale. A painting of the Madonna and Child and San Placido Martire hangs above its altar; a relic of the body of San Placido is also kept there.

Churches, foundation and townscape

The Chiesa di San Placido Martire was built in 1759 with the support of Prince Don Placido Imperiale, Lord of Lesina. Poggio Imperiale was also founded by Placido Imperiale in 1759. A vivid impression of the original settlement is conveyed by its layout at the time, consisting of terraced houses, an animal stall, a tool shed and a threshing floor, which made it resemble an agricultural estate.

Other specific features of the townscape include the Palazzo de Ciccio, an architectural monument in Poggio Imperiale on what is now Corso Vittorio Emanuele. The Chiesa Madre dates from 1875. The Chiesa del Cuore di Gesù is older: it was consecrated and opened to the public in 1838. Its original façade and bell tower have been preserved.

Festivals with a special local connection

The Palio della Dama vivente is held in summer in Piazza Placido Imperiale as a ladies’ tournament with living figures. During the Palio di Dama Vivente, locals dressed as historical figures move instead of the usual draughts pieces. The annual Festa Patronale di San Placido Martire on 5 October is a religious highlight. It includes a solemn procession through the streets of Poggio Imperiale.

San Nazario and the landscape around Lesina

The Santuario di San Nazario is considered a worthwhile destination to visit in Poggio Imperiale. The Caldoni stream rises at a hot spring near the sanctuary. In the wider regional surroundings of Poggio Imperiale, the Oasi Duna di Lesina offers trails through reed beds, Mediterranean maquis and lagoon basins that are suitable for mountain-biking excursions.

Also in the wider regional surroundings, the Lago di Lesina state nature reserve is located in the eastern part of the Lesina Lagoon. Its reed beds provide breeding habitat for purple herons and bitterns. This gives you different priorities to choose from when planning your trip: churches and local history, a seasonal festival, an unusual ladies’ tournament, wildlife observation or active exploration by mountain bike.

Regional cuisine and travel interests to suit

Poggio Imperiale also has a distinctive culinary character. Terranovese cuisine includes jallucc rrchijn, a stuffed rooster traditionally served after orecchiette at Ferragosto celebrations. When choosing a holiday apartment in Poggio Imperiale, you can therefore place your personal interests at the centre: culture and religious sites, festivals throughout the year, regional cuisine or the landscape around the lagoon. This keeps your accommodation choice focused on the travel experience you are particularly keen to discover in Poggio Imperiale.

Other destinations you can include in your travel plans are Troia, Foggia, Peschici, San Marco In Lamis, Rignano Garganico, San Menaio, San Nicandro Garganico and Tomaiolo.

To the higher-level travel overview: Foggia.