Manfredonia

Manfredonia is a coastal city in Foggia, a province in the Italian region of Apulia.

It's home to some 60,000 people and a few worthy historic attractions, including a medieval castle and the 16th century Manfredonia Cathedral.

The town is just over 40 km from Foggia, from where you should take the SS89 to Manfredonia. Near Foggia, the road connects to the A14 highway.

There's a rail connection to Foggia as well, stopping at some smaller stations (Frattarolo, Candelaro and Amendola) along the way.

• 🌍 Abbey of San Leonardo di Siponto (San Leonardo in Lama Volara). The Abbey was founded in the early 12th century by the Canons Regular of St. Augustine, it served as a spiritual refuge for pilgrims journeying to the Sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo and for crusaders en route to the Holy Land. In 1261, the abbey became a key base for the Teutonic Knights in Apulia, who remained until the late 15th century. The church features a three-nave layout and is renowned for its intricately carved Romanesque portal, adorned with vegetal motifs and a 13th-century baldachin. A unique astronomical phenomenon occurs annually on June 21st, the summer solstice, when a beam of sunlight passes through a specially designed opening, projecting a rose-shaped light pattern onto the floor—a spectacle known as cattura del sole ("capture of the sun"). (updated Jul 2025)