Nicknamed the village of love, Vico del Gargano is considered one of “The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy”. Its ancient origins were confirmed by the discovery of prehistoric settlements near the Foresta Umbra and the hilltop Iron Age necropolis, named Tabor, which is traditionally believed to be where the residential area developed.
Slavs from the eastern shores of the Adriatic established a colony which then mixed with the residents of the fortified centre, the vicus which means a group of houses or village.
Conquered in the 12th century by Emperor Frederick II, he made it a hunting area and encouraged its rebirth. The characteristic historical centre, a labyrinth of alleyways and narrow streets lined with overlooking houses and palaces is demonstration of that period. The vicolo del bacio is a charming passageway, no more than 30cm long and 50cm wide, which forces lovers together as they walk through it.
The area of Vico has approximately 80 springs irrigating the citrus groves which have been the pride of the area for centuries. Indigenous citrus fruits include an orange (Arancia bionda del Gargano) and a lemon (Limone Femminello del Gargano), which have been given the IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) brand for their quality.
A large part of the Foresta Umbra, considered the green ‘lungs’ of the Gargano National Park, falls inside the Vico area.
Apulia Film Commission
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