RODI GARGANICO

An enchanting seaside village for your holidays on the Gargano  

If you have decided that your next destination will be the Gargano, know ye that a holiday in Rodi Garganico is perfect in order to begin your travel to the discovery of the Spur of Italy. Situated on the northern coast of the Gargano, within the Gargano National Park, this ancient seaside village is situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

 

Ancient Greek and Cretan colony, its past has followed the history of the South Italy, passing from the roman domination to the attacks of Goths and Saracens, to be then conquered by the Aragoneses and live a prosperous period during the fascist period.

 

Today Rodi, in addition to being renowned for the production of citrus fruits, so to be nicknamed “the garden of the Gargano”, is one of the most loved seaside resorts throughout Apulia and, once admired, you do soon to understand the reason. Ready to welcome its visitors in highly equipped hotels, villages, residence, camping and apartments, a holiday in Rodi Garganico never leaves disappointed.

 

The beaches, not by chance, have been rewarded several times with the Blue Flag. From the beach of Levante to that of Ponente, so called because they develop to the east and west with respect to the rock that protrudes on the sea, Rodi offers well 8 km of the coast characterized by fine sand, crystal clear water sand low seabed: ideal for the families with children which spend their holidays in Rodi Garganico.

The historic center preserves the aspect of the ancient seaside village that had to defend itself against attacks coming from the sea: in fact, the houses are been built many neighbors between them so as to better protect the inhabitants. Do not miss a turn in the maze of its narrow alleyways, between steep lanes and stairways which bring everywhere or descend toward the beach. The typical district of “Chepabbash” is one example of it.

The new harbour. Recently construction, is an important tourist landing place: from here the ferries depart for the Tremiti Islands and can be reached also the Croatia.


Characteristic districts. Walking between proprietorial palaces and the typical white houses, it is easy come across in the picturesque area “Sotto il Castello”, where a time dominated the famous Aragonese castle of which are still visible the two towers. Continuing through the craggy alleys you go down toward another characteristic district, the “Vuccolo”: if nearby encountered some person of the place, ask him about the origin of this curious name. Other angle suggestive is the “Belvedere” where anciently was opened the main city door and from which can be enjoyed a magnificent view on the beach and the orange groves.

Capuchins convent. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama. Built in 1538, it was the first convent of the Capuchins in the Gargano area. The Church of the Holy Spirit to it attached instead it was consecrated in 1678. In the convent there are the graves of the monks, a splendid cloister and a painting that portrays the Virgin Mary with the Apostles.

Church of St. Peter and Paul. This is the oldest church in Rodi and originally it was part of a convent and was built during the visit of Francis of Assisi. Indeed, it says that, the convent was built in the period in which the Saint went to Rodi in pilgrimage near the Sacred Cave of St. Michele in Monte Sant’Angelo. Its bell tower is to be contemplated.

The Sanctuary of Madonna della Libera. In elegant baroque style, here is guarded the esteemed “Painting of the Madonna”. According to tradition the painting, while lying on a Venetian ship that had arrived near Rodi back from Constantinople, has practically “chosen” to remain in Rodi doing stop the ship.

The bell towers. Don’t miss the opportunity to contemplate the bell towers like that of the Church of San Nicola of Mira or that of the Church of St. Peter and Paul.


Events

  • Carnival of Rodi: 15, 17, 21 February
  • Festival of the oranges: 2, 3, 4, May
  • Patronal festival dedicated to Maria S.S della Libera: 2,3 July
  • Festival of San Rocco: third week of August



Other localities