San nicandro

de Garganic

o

INFORMATION

It´s located in the province of Foggia in the Apulia region of southeast Italy.

Government mayor: Piero Paolo Gualano.

Elevation: 224m (735ft)

Population (2012)

Total:15,805

Postal code: 71015

Climate:

The average temperatures vary during the year by 17 °C.

In San Nicandro Garganico, the climate is warm and temperate.

HISTORY

San Nicandro Garganico is a small town in the Gargano National Park dating back to the 10th century. It was developed in the middle ages around the current historic centre.

Although there is no evidence of historic Jewish presence here, in the late 1920’s San Nicandro became the theater of the only case of contemporary mass conversion to Judaism. In the 1945, about 30 Italian members of a tiny Protestant sect converted to Judaism. Most of the gerim emigrated to Israel, although some remain today.

LANDMARKS AND MONUMENTS

The 16th century collegiate church, often incorrectly called "Cathedral"

Church of San Giorgio in Terravecchia

Aragonese-Norman Castle

Remains of the Roman villa at Sant'Annea

The Castle, built in the fifteenth century, is certainly worthwhile visiting, but the entire neighbourhood of Terravecchia is very picturesque, with its whitewash houses and steep stairs.

The town is also famous for its numerous sinkholes and potholes: in its territory are the caves of “Pian della Macina” and the “Dolina Pozzatina”.

Some of these caves are also important archaeological sites in which various finds have been made dating from Lombard times.

NATURE

TYPICAL FOOD

The cuisine is typically Mediterranean with fresh pasta made by hand, of course, fresh fish, legumes, vegetables, homemade sauces, oil and vinegar products.

Well known for the production of dried flowers, San Nicandro is also recommended for the hilly landscape that stretches around the town, rich in almond orchards, vineyards and olive groves.

Among the popular dishes try the so-called “cicerchie”, made from chickpeas, broad beans and lentils. It is eaten boiled, and seasoned with plenty of olive oil.

LOCAL MEALS: O R E C C H I E T T E , PA N E C O T T O ,

S W E E T S : P U P U R AT, C E C I ATA , C R U S T L A . FAV C R E D

FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS

January 17: Bonfire Bonfire of St. Anthony Abbot and St. Sebastian.02 Gebbraio: Bonfires of San Biagio.22-23-24 February: At the Carnival Dauno, spontaneous demonstrations and traditional groups that parade along the main street.April: Holy Week celebrations.

17th June : patronal festivity in honour of the patron Saint Nicardo

Summer: A series of socio-cultural and musical events.

October: October fair of Gargano

The typical dance is the Pizzica