Puglia: Lucera

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Originally a Roman settlement (4^th century), Lucera was taken over in the 13^th century by Frederick II (Hohenstaufen). As you may know, he was big in this area and in Abruzzi. However, in Lucera, he created an Arab city by transporting the Arab thieves from Sicily to Puglia and on to Lucera. Once here, they built mosques and other buildings in the Saracen style. Much of this architecture was destroyed when the French came to power here. Today, the town is dominated by the 13^th century castello/castle or Fortezza Angioina on the hill. This castle can be toured (it should be toured). The castle has 24 towers and is pentagon in shape. The duomo (14^th century) in the historic center is worth a stop (as the square is pleasant) and is considered the best example of Angevin architecture in the south. There are beautiful frescoes in the Gothic Chiesa di San Francesco. The Museo Civico G. Fiorelli has some fine archeological pieces from the 1^st century among other interesting items. There’s a Roman Amphitheater/Anfiteatro Romano (1^st century) on the outskirts of town too. Market day is Wednesday in Lucera.