Foggia
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Latest page update: 13 June 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The city of Foggia is the capital city of the Province of Foggia with a population of 151,203 inhabitants.
Standing at an elevation of 76 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 507 km² and lies 124 kilometres north west of Bari, the regional capital of Puglia. Foggia is the northernmost of Puglia's provincial capitals, situated in the agricultural plain, the Tavoliere delle Puglie, often referred to as the Granary of Italy. |
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What People Ask About Foggia, Puglia
Is Foggia worth visiting?
What are the main attractions in Foggia?
How do I get to Foggia?
What is Foggia known for?
When is the best time to visit Foggia?
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Discover
Discover Foggia
Unlike many Puglian cities to the south, Foggia doesn't date back to the time of the Magna Graecia period, and was founded much later: around 1,000 AD. Heavily bombed for its strategic importance in World War Two, the city was largely rebuilt.
The combination of the post-war rebuild and the foundation of the city from a later era than its southern counterparts, leaves Foggia as somewhat alone in the architectural legacy of sights in its centre, unique among the cities of Puglia.
The most historic building in Foggia is the Cathedral which was initially built in the 12th century but heavily restored in a different style after an earthquake in 1731. Another building of historic importance is the Palazzo Dogana, a former custom's house that's now the official headquarters of the Province of Foggia.
The combination of the post-war rebuild and the foundation of the city from a later era than its southern counterparts, leaves Foggia as somewhat alone in the architectural legacy of sights in its centre, unique among the cities of Puglia.
The most historic building in Foggia is the Cathedral which was initially built in the 12th century but heavily restored in a different style after an earthquake in 1731. Another building of historic importance is the Palazzo Dogana, a former custom's house that's now the official headquarters of the Province of Foggia.
Around Piazza Umberto Giordano
In modern times, the most vibrant area of the city revolves around Piazza Umberto Giordano. The modern square lies at one end of the city's main shopping area and has a sculpture garden as its centre. Walk to the end of the square and there's a sense of grandeur provided by the busy Piazza Cavour.
This square's main function is that of a roundabout but the beautiful fountain (Fontana del Sele) at its centre combined with the dramatic, columned entrance to the Villa Comunale give this part of the city a real sparkle. The Villa Comunale is a tree-lined park, beautifully manicured and a magnet for locals who jog or take walks here.
This square's main function is that of a roundabout but the beautiful fountain (Fontana del Sele) at its centre combined with the dramatic, columned entrance to the Villa Comunale give this part of the city a real sparkle. The Villa Comunale is a tree-lined park, beautifully manicured and a magnet for locals who jog or take walks here.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Foggia
- Cattedrale di Foggia was originally built in the 12th century in Romanesque style and later rebuilt with Baroque features after an earthquake. It houses the icon of the Madonna dei Sette Veli, the city’s patron saint. The crypt and sculpted portal preserve traces of the medieval church beneath later additions.
- Piazza Umberto Giordano is one of the city’s main squares, named after the Foggia-born composer. The square includes open-air cafés, fountains, and statues of Giordano’s operatic characters. It acts as a central meeting place and often hosts cultural events and outdoor performances.
- Museo Civico di Foggia presents archaeological finds, medieval art, and collections documenting the region’s history. Highlights include Daunian ceramics, Roman sculptures, and local artefacts. The museum is housed in a 19th-century building and includes several themed sections across multiple floors.
- Villa Comunale Karol Wojtyla is a large public park with shaded paths, fountains, and statues, originally designed in the 19th century. It offers a green space in the centre of the city for walking, cycling, or relaxing. The park also includes a small open-air theatre and playground areas for children.
- Walking tour of Foggia’s historic centre explores the layout of the medieval city and its later development. Guided visits often include the cathedral, noble palaces, and hidden courtyards. Some tours also cover local legends and stories linked to Foggia’s religious and political past.
Foggia Tours and Activities
Comune di Foggia
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Foggia
- Hotel Up Wellness & Spa is located in the heart of Foggia, offering guests modern rooms with contemporary decor. The hotel features a wellness centre equipped with a sauna, Turkish bath, and a range of spa treatments, providing a relaxing retreat after a day of exploration. Its central location ensures easy access to Foggia's main attractions, shopping areas, and dining establishments. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range).
- Hotel Bella Napoli Ristorante & Spa is situated near the city centre, providing elegantly furnished rooms with modern amenities. The hotel boasts an on-site restaurant specialising in Italian cuisine, a well-equipped spa offering various treatments, and a fitness centre for health-conscious guests. Its proximity to local attractions makes it a convenient choice for travellers. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable).
- DEMSI Palace Hotel & Restaurant is located a short distance from Foggia's historic centre, offering spacious rooms with stylish decor. The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving regional and international dishes, a bar, and conference facilities suitable for business travellers. Its strategic location provides easy access to both the city and surrounding areas. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range).
- Palazzo Sant'Elena is a boutique hotel nestled in a historic building in Foggia's old town. Guests can enjoy well-appointed rooms with classic decor, a cosy bar, and a reading room. Its location allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of Foggia, with many landmarks within walking distance. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range).
- Hotel Cicolella is a longstanding establishment in Foggia, offering traditional rooms with classic furnishings. The hotel provides an on-site restaurant known for its regional cuisine, a bar, and meeting facilities. Its central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the city's attractions and nearby sites. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable).
Photo Gallery
Foggia Photo Gallery
Puglia Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Puglia
1. Lecce
2. Alberobello
3. Otranto
4. Gallipoli
5. Polignano a Mare
6. Monopoli
7. Vieste
8. Trani
9. Giovinazzo
10. Castel del Monte
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Puglia
1. Lecce
2. Alberobello
3. Otranto
4. Gallipoli
5. Polignano a Mare
6. Monopoli
7. Vieste
8. Trani
9. Giovinazzo
10. Castel del Monte
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Puglia
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Foggia
Foggia's train station is centrally located, just a 5 minute walk (450 metres) from Piazza Cavour. There are various train services that run south from Foggia to Bari, the most direct of which takes an hour and 9 minutes (to Bari Centrale). This same train stops along the way at Barletta (29 minutes), and after Bari continues on to Brindisi (2 hours 4 minutes) and Lecce (2 hours 28 minutes). You can also take a train north from Foggia to Rome with a journey time of 2 hours 53 minutes.
The most convenient airport for Foggia is Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport which is a 1 hour 16 minute drive away (125 km). The two alternative options are Naples International Airport which is a drive of 2 hours 9 minutes (177 km) or Brindisi Salento Airport, 2 hours and 23 minutes by car (243 km).
The major area of interest close to Foggia is the Gargano Peninsula, a national park of forest and beautiful beaches. The road into the park starts just after the seaside town of Manfredonia which is shortly followed by the religious hill town of Monte Sant'Angelo. The most important seaside towns within the Gargano Peninsula are Vieste, Peschici and Rodi Garganico but there are countless beaches and bays with fascinating rock formations in between. Heading in the other direction, west of Foggia, there are some interesting hill towns such as Troia and Bovino, while even closer to Foggia is the beautiful cathedral town of Lucera.
The most convenient airport for Foggia is Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport which is a 1 hour 16 minute drive away (125 km). The two alternative options are Naples International Airport which is a drive of 2 hours 9 minutes (177 km) or Brindisi Salento Airport, 2 hours and 23 minutes by car (243 km).
The major area of interest close to Foggia is the Gargano Peninsula, a national park of forest and beautiful beaches. The road into the park starts just after the seaside town of Manfredonia which is shortly followed by the religious hill town of Monte Sant'Angelo. The most important seaside towns within the Gargano Peninsula are Vieste, Peschici and Rodi Garganico but there are countless beaches and bays with fascinating rock formations in between. Heading in the other direction, west of Foggia, there are some interesting hill towns such as Troia and Bovino, while even closer to Foggia is the beautiful cathedral town of Lucera.
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Public transport: central train station, local buses
By train: Barletta - 29 minutes, Bari - 1 hour 9 minutes |
By car: Andria - 57 mins (82 km), Barletta - 58 mins (73 km)
Fly to: Bari Airport - 1 hour 16 minutes by car (125 km) |
Connected to the Italian High Speed Train Network
