Alberona
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 26 September 2023
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The village of Alberona is an official comune of the Foggia Province in Puglia. It's situated in the picturesque area known as the Tavoliere delle Puglie and close to the border with Campania.
On 1 January 2022 Alberona had an official population of 863 residents. The municipality covers a total geographical area of 49 square kilometres and reaches an elevation of 732 metres. |
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The diminutive town of Alberona is situated among the Daunian Mountains which belong to the greater Apennines. It lies close to Puglia's regional border with Campania to its west in an area that's largely unheralded in terms of tourism. It's quite different from the Puglia that most people have in mind of white-washed houses and beaches, instead set among lush vegetation and rolling hills.
An historic, sleepy hill town, Alberona does however retain a special place in history. It was founded in 1258 by the Knights of Malta before being sold to the Templar Knights years later. There are still vestiges of the Templar Knights throughout the village: its main church the Chiesa Madre was founded by them, along with the Torre dei Priori watchtower. Other reminders of this historic period include the coat of arms of the Knights of Malta that can be seen on the Chiesa Madre.
It's a surprising and fascinating aspect to a village that nowadays attracts visitors for other reasons. It appears not only on the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia, but also of the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag), a similar organisation that promotes Italian towns and villages. The idyllic setting among the unspoilt landscape offers a refreshing alternative to some of the better known attractions nearby such as the Gargano Peninsula or the beach resort of Termoli in the region of Molise.
If this type of landscape appeals then there are a number of similar locations in the area that are worth a visit. Just to the north of Alberona is an area known as the Tavoliere delle Puglie with its own rolling hills and prairies offering some wonderful landscapes. South of Alberona is another of the Borghi Più Belli d'Italia: Roseto Valfortore, while the historic Lucera with its beautiful cathedral is also recommended.
An historic, sleepy hill town, Alberona does however retain a special place in history. It was founded in 1258 by the Knights of Malta before being sold to the Templar Knights years later. There are still vestiges of the Templar Knights throughout the village: its main church the Chiesa Madre was founded by them, along with the Torre dei Priori watchtower. Other reminders of this historic period include the coat of arms of the Knights of Malta that can be seen on the Chiesa Madre.
It's a surprising and fascinating aspect to a village that nowadays attracts visitors for other reasons. It appears not only on the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia, but also of the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag), a similar organisation that promotes Italian towns and villages. The idyllic setting among the unspoilt landscape offers a refreshing alternative to some of the better known attractions nearby such as the Gargano Peninsula or the beach resort of Termoli in the region of Molise.
If this type of landscape appeals then there are a number of similar locations in the area that are worth a visit. Just to the north of Alberona is an area known as the Tavoliere delle Puglie with its own rolling hills and prairies offering some wonderful landscapes. South of Alberona is another of the Borghi Più Belli d'Italia: Roseto Valfortore, while the historic Lucera with its beautiful cathedral is also recommended.
Comune di Alberona
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Province: Foggia
Region: Puglia Population: 849 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2023) Size: 49 km² Elevation: 732 metres Highlights: Chiesa Madre, Torre dei Priori, Templar Knights history Close by: Roseto Valfortore, Bovino, Pietramontecorvino Recommended accommodation: I Templari di Alberona |
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One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: Chiara, Fresche e Dolci Acque (Clear, Fresh and Sweet Waters) |
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)
Listed since: 2002 1 of 9 in Puglia listed by Touring Club Italiano |
