Foggia
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 14 March 2022
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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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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.
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.
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.
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.
Comune di Foggia
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Province: Foggia
Region: Puglia Population: 147,467 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2022) Size: 507 km² Elevation: 76 metres Top sights: cathedral, Villa Comunale, Piazza Umberto Giordano Close by: Lucera, Troia, Bovino, Cerignola, Manfredonia Recommended accommodation: Hotel La Bella Napoli |
Foggia Travel
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) |
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