Manfredonia stands on the edge of the Gulf of Manfredonia, in the foothills of Monte Gargano, 48km from Foggia. Manfred, King of Sicily, founded the city, abandoning the harbour of old Siponto. His guidance created the elegant Cathedral and the Swabian-Angevin Fortress, perched on a sheer cliff over the sea, now the Museo Archeologico Nazionale. Sights include the ruins of ancient Sipontum, the archaeological remains of Coppa Nevigata, Monte Saraceno, and the fascinating Basilica di Santa Maria di Siponto. The nearby Abbey of St. Leonard, built by the Knights Templar, was an important rest stop on the southern Via Francigena. In the town centre, noble palaces stand alongside houses built in stone or tufo, while the Palazzo Comunale and the Church of St. Dominic dominate Piazza del Popolo and the tiny Church di St. Francis is an outstanding Gothic jewel. Just outside the city, the natural paradises of Lago Salso (a WWF Oasis) and the reserve of Palude di Frattarolo lie on the Gulf, while old Siponto is a flourishing beach area today.
Apulia Film Commission
Cineporti di Puglia/Bari — c/o Fiera del Levante - Lungomare Starita 1 — 70132 Bari
Phone: +39 080 9752900
Fax: +39 080 9147464
Email: email@apuliafilmcommission.it
