Holiday apartment in San Paolo Di Civitate – Archaeology, landscape and olive oil

San Paolo Di Civitate is situated on a hill from which you can see both the Gargano and the first pre-Apennine foothills. The Fortore and smaller streams run through the municipal area. This combination of expansive landscapes and a richly varied local history gives a holiday apartment in San Paolo Di Civitate a clear thematic framework: you can shape your stay around nature observations, archaeological discoveries or historical sites.

Archaeological traces from Tiati to Teanum Apulum

The historical development of the town extends from the Daunian settlement of Tiati in the 1st millennium BC through Roman Teanum Apulum and Civitate to the name later used by Emperor Trajan. The archaeological site of Tiati-Teanum Apulum-Civitate lies approximately 4 km northwest of San Paolo Di Civitate.

Structures belonging to an amphitheatre from the imperial period of the 1st to 2nd century were discovered on the site of Teanum Apulum in the municipal area. The amphitheatre had an irregular elliptical shape; the arena and seating area were probably built into the natural slope. For travellers interested in culture, this site combines ancient architectural history with the landscape of the hills.

A building uncovered during excavations stood along the route of the Regio Tratturo L'Aquila-Foggia. Archaeologists documented a rectangular structure with a vestibule and a large cella, as well as an entrance with a mosaic made of river pebbles. The historic route and the architectural details provide another tangible connection to the past of the municipal area.

Civitate, the tower and medieval history

The fortified city of Civitate was founded between 1018 and 1019 by Katapan Basilio Bojoannes. The surviving Torre di Civitate is a massive tower with a rectangular floor plan. Its defensive features are typical of buildings in central and southern Italy from the period between the late 11th and the 13th century.

The Battle of Civitate is also part of the town's history: it was fought on 17 and 18 June 1053 near San Paolo Di Civitate. The battlefield was located in the plain north of Apulia, at the confluence of the Staina stream and the Fortore, on a terraced hill above the valley and near the settlement of ancient Civitate. The Tomba degli Ori was discovered on 7 August 1952 during construction work on drainage road No. 33 in Pezze della Chiesa.

The Museo Civico Archeologico is housed in the former convent of Sant’Antonio di Padova. The Museo Archeologico di San Paolo di Civitate was established by Municipal Council resolution No. 8 of 29 February 1996. Both museum references complement the archaeological sites with an institutional perspective on the town's history.

Experience olive oil with all your senses

At the Frantoio Didattico, the experience includes a guided tour of the olive mill as well as sensory activities. You can discover the aromas and flavours of extra virgin olive oil. This insight adds a pleasurable accent alongside the ancient and medieval themes of San Paolo Di Civitate.

Choose the right accommodation for your interests

The different themes provide helpful guidance when choosing accommodation in San Paolo Di Civitate: the hilltop views and river landscapes appeal to those interested in nature, Tiati-Teanum Apulum-Civitate and the amphitheatre focus attention on antiquity, while Civitate, the tower and the history of the battle form the medieval focus. A holiday apartment or holiday home can therefore be selected according to the desired pace of the stay, without reducing the destination to a single experience.

You can also discover other places in the wider travel region: Alberona, Accadia, San Giovanni Rotondo, Rodi Garganico, Manfredonia, Roseto Valfortore, Rignano Garganico and Trinitapoli.

To the overview of the wider travel region: Foggia.