Visiting Rodi Garganico
Along the continuous succession of golden beaches, verdant coves and overhangs over the crystal clear sea that characterize Rodi Garganico, grow theย gardens of scented orange treesย that have made Rodi theย small capital of Gargano citrus fruits,ย already one of the main centres of production and export of oranges and lemons at the beginning of the twentieth century.
But theย historyย of Rodi, suspended between heaven and heart,ย starts much farther away.
The medieval walls of the village surround the historic centre creating foreshortenings to be admired. Particularly noteworthy areย the picturesqueย neighborhood of โVuccoloโ-ย with its steep streets and stairways leading to the sea- andย il borgo โSotto il Castelloโ, which preserves the remains of the ancient fortifications and offers aย suggestive and very long terrace overlooking theย ย murgeย (the particular rocks that rise from the sea).
The historic centre
The historic centre of Rodi Garganico preserves traces of its ancient origins. The typicalย white housesย that develop vertically, almost overlapping each other were built so close together in order to protect themselves from enemy incursions coming from the sea.
Today it is absolutely necessary to feel the sensation of walking through theย narrow streets that climb, leaving you the feeling of being protected by a hug.
Among the places of interest, we point out the Church of San Pietro, with statues dating back to 1500.
Equally noteworthy are the splendid Greek-Byzantine bell tower of San Nicola di Mira Church and the Sanctuary of Madonna della Libera, in elegant baroque style where the precious โQuadro della Madonnaโ is kept.
Folklore and tradition
If you are lucky, you may find yourself on vocation in Rodi Garganico on one of its special days.
On starts in May, the season of citrus fruits in bloom.
Towards the end of the month the usual Orange Festival is held, during which it is possible to consume sweets, jams and liqueurs prepared with our fruits and to admire along the streets of the town particular compositions and arrangements with citrus fruits.
In the first 3 days of July, for example,ย the patronal feast dedicated to Madonna della Libera and San Cristoforo is held.ย For this circumstance the sacred effigy of the Madonna and the imposing statue of the Saint are accompanied in procession along the streets of the historic centre. The whole town participates.
Without forgetting, in July and August the programming ofย Rodi Summerย enliven and accompanies the evenings with musical performances, film festivals, theatrical events, painting exhibitions, concerts and festivals. The event ends with theย Festival delle Bandeย in which the most famous bands of Puglia participate.