Manfredonia: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening

To see it Manfredonia is a very pretty town, which lives thanks to its port and tourist activities, mainly seaside, with a historic center full of shops where you can buy typical handicraft products: but Manfredonia boasts much more than this. Built by the will of the king of Sicily, Manfredi, from which it took its name, the city preserves a vast historical heritage , to which tourists can access for free.

What to see in Manfredonia

1 – Swabian Castle and National Archaeological Museum
Photo by trolvag. The Swabian Castle was built starting from 1256, by the will of the Spanish king Manfredi, who wanted to make it the symbol of his power.Over the centuries, however, the structure has undergone a series of extensions and renovations , which have transformed it into the one we know today. In fact, in the original project, the structure had to be composed of a single square space enclosed by walls, and delimited by five towers useful for controlling the surrounding area. Today the Swabian Castle houses the National Archaeological Museum where an interesting collection is exhibited that traces the entire history of the ancient Sipontina lagoon, and some important finds including the Daune Stele, dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries, depicting human figures.

• How to get there: on foot, as the castle is only a 10-minute walk from the city center – Get directions
• Hours: the castle is open from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 to 19:30 – Sunday from 14:30 to 19:30. The archaeological museum is currently closed for refurbishment.
• Ticket cost: Free
• Recommended cards, tickets and tours: Manfredonia: Manfredonia and Tour of the Daunian Stele

2 – Cathedral of San Lorenzo Maiorano
The Cathedral of Manfredonia was built in the Gothic style with three naves, but was then destroyed by the Ottomans in 1620. The current building dates back to 1643-48, and is in travertine marble: the foundations of ancient structure are however still visible. The Cathedral was dedicated to the patron saint of the city, San Lorenzo , whose relics are kept inside the cathedral together with numerous works of art , transferred in the twentieth century from other churches in the area. Among these we must remember the ancient icon of the Madonna of Siponto , the polychrome wooden statue called Madonna with wide eyes or La Sipontina and a thirteenth-century wooden crucifix.

• How to get there: located near the city center and therefore advisable to reach it on foot in about 2 minutes – Get directions
• Hours: from 8:30 to 19:00 every day
• Ticket cost: Free

3 – The Diocesan Museum
The Diocesan Museum of Manfredonia exhibits a series of archaeological finds from ancient Siponto , flanked by sacred and ecclesiastical objects, found in deposits or taken from churches now in disuse. The gallery has seven exhibition spaces, each of which responds to a name given on the basis of the most famous find exhibited in it : the first room, for example, is called The dawn of the first millennium, and houses sculptural fragments that come from the excavations of the early Christian episcopal church of Santa Maria a Siponto; continuing, we arrive in the “Hall of the lion”, reserved for the exhibition of one of the two marble lions, which was part of the session of the bishop’s throne of the cathedral of Siponto and so on.

• How to get there: the museum and site adjacent to the cathedral of San Lorenzo Maiorano. Reaching it on foot could be a good opportunity to visit both – Get directions
• Hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 17:00 to 19:00
• Ticket cost: Free

4 – Salso Lake
Oasis The Salso Lake Oasis, managed by the WWF, is a wetland made up of reeds and ponds, which welcomes, both in winter and in summer, a very high number of birds . Of great naturalistic interest, the Oasis opens upon reservation, and it is possible to make excursions, guided tours or simply family outings aboard the electric boats, with which you can visit the entire valley. Inside the Oasis there is a bird watching path about five kilometers long, equipped with observation towers.

• How to get there: the oasis is about 10 kilometers from Manfredonia, which can be covered in 14 minutes by car – Get directions
• Hours: by reservation, via the contact page of the official website
• Ticket cost: € 5.00 for adults, € 3.00 for children from 3 to 14 years

5 – Archaeological Park of Siponto and Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
Photo by Raffaelepr. In 194 BC the town of Siponto became the main port of Regio II and the Archaeological Park of Siponto testifies to this growing importance that the area had reached in Roman times. This is evidenced by the grandeur of the early Christian basilica, deducible from its still well-preserved remains, which show the three naves with central apse and mosaic floor . Precious floors are also visible inside the medieval church of Santa Maria Maggiore, built between the end of the 11th and the beginning of the 12th century, and a cornerstone of Apulian Romanesque architecture. Between the end of the 12th and the beginning of the 13th century it underwent numerous renovations and, for the construction and architectural decoration, materials taken from the oldest part of Siponto were reused. At the moment excavations are still in progress, affecting the medieval age of the city.

• How to get there: by car, towards Foggia, in just 10 minutes – Get directions
• Hours: in winter from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00. In summer from Tuesday to Sunday: from 12:30 to 21:30, closed on Mondays in any season
• Ticket cost: Free
• Recommended cards, tickets and tours: Siponto: guided 3D reconstruction experience

6 – Abbey of San Leonardo
The Abbey of San Leonardo is located about 20 km from Manfredonia but, given its great artistic and historical value , it is worth a visit. Founded in the 12th century, the Abbey is part of a larger settlement, consisting of the abbey remains, a church and the hospital, which for centuries was the resting place of pilgrims. Characterized by a three-nave layout with three apses, both the portal and the exterior of the Abbey retain a series of sculptures and bas-reliefs , depicting biblical episodes and elements of mystical life during the Middle Ages.

• How to get there: by car in 19 minutes, through the Gargano state road – Get directions
• Hours: in winter, every day from 09:00 to 19:00. In summer from Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 19:00, on Sundays and on religious holidays from 09:00 to 20:00
• Ticket cost: Free

7 – The chapel of Santa Maria Maddalena
Palazzo San Domenico and the seat of the Municipality of Manfredonia. Inside the structure it is possible to visit an ancient chapel – part of a previous church – called Santa Maria Maddalena. Inside this is the Rizzon Collection , made up of valuable artifacts from ancient Siponto, for a long time owned by the Venetian collector Mario Rizzon. This priceless historical asset returned to Manfredonia only in 2014, after a long bureaucratic process. Within the same exhibition you can admire the watercolor “Vista di Manfredonia” by the French artist Claude Louis Chatelet.

• How to get there: the chapel is located in an area full of attractions and a few steps from the seafront, it is therefore recommended to get there on foot, and then take a look around – Get directions
• Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 12:30 and from 16:00 to 20:00
• Ticket cost: Free

8 – The Lungomare di Manfredonia and the port
The waterfront of Manfredonia is one of the most famous in the whole Gargano, the focal point of the city’s summer nightlife . From here it is possible to enjoy a wonderful view over the Gulf of Manfredonia, an ancient landing port for Greeks and Romans. Towards the port, divided into Vecchio and Commerciale, there are remains of structures from the Roman era , located below the sea level, while, towards Marina del Gargano – close to the Molo di Ponente – there is an elevated panoramic walk adjacent to the Old Town.

• How to get there: easily reachable on foot from anywhere in the city – Get directions
• Hours: always accessible
• Ticket cost: Free

9 – Capparelli
Hypogea The Capparelli Hypogea is the largest Paleochristian Necropolis in Daunia . Known in antiquity as the Siponto caves, they then took their name from the homonymous farm of the Capparelli, whose stables have incorporated everything. To date there are 9 hypogea remained and each of these is composed of 1 to 4 ambulatories or vestibules divided by large rock pillars. The interiors have sarcophagi closed by marble slabs that follow one another along the walls, tombs with two or more niches, including those of children, lamp-rest niches and engraved Greek crosses. Over the centuries the site was used for various purposes, including that of a tuff house.

• How to get there: by car, along via Giuseppe di Vittorio for about 10 minutes – Get directions
• Hours: when the site is opened and by reservation, to be made using the contact details in the appropriate section of this page
• Ticket cost: Free

10 – Piazza del Popolo The former Convent of San Domenico
overlooks the central Piazza del Popolo, located almost halfway between the Castle and the Cathedral of the city, today the seat of the Town Hall and the Church of the same name: both erected by Charles II d’Angio towards the end of the 12th century. The first, of which some floors are reserved for the exhibition of works of art with free access, has kept intact all the elements of the original structure while. The Church has undergone some restorations during the 60s but the beautiful portal remains intact, a testament to the ancient importance of the building and a rose window

• How to get there: from any place in the city you move towards Piazza del Popolo you will encounter monuments or places of interest therefore, it is recommended to move on foot – Get directions
• Hours: Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00.
• Ticket cost: Free

Manfredonia itinerary in one day
With just one day at your disposal you can’t expect to visit everything. Since it is not possible to go to the Archaeological park of Seponto, slightly out of the way, it is good to start the visit from the Diocesan Museum , where the most important finds are kept, which came to light precisely from that archaeological excavation. Near the Museum are located both the Cathedral of San Lorenzo Maiorano , where you can admire a series of works of art of immense value, and the Caffe Incontro 2 , ideal for having breakfast.
Continuing on via Arcivescovado you reach Piazza del Popolo where, inside Palazzo San Domenico, the current seat of the Municipality, you can visit the ancient chapel of Santa Maria Maddalena , and the exhibition of the sketches of Aronne del Vecchio, an important native artist of the city. After the visit, you can stop for lunch at the Gastronomy at the Duomo.
After lunch, you can visit the Church of San Domenico , a valuable example of superimposition of eras and styles. Proceeding along the Corso you reach the Castle overlooking the sea, home to the National Archaeological Museum . Right in front of these there is the famous promenade of the eastern pier , with a splendid view of the Gulf of Manfredonia, which you can decide to do either before or after stopping for dinner, at theIl Porto restaurant .

One day itinerary at a glance

1. Breakfast at Caffe Incontro 2, Corso Roma 130 – Get directions
2. Diocesan Museum – opening hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 17:00 to 19:00 – ticket price: free
3. Cathedral of San Lorenzo Maiorano – opening hours: every day from 7:15 am to 11:15 am and from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm – ticket: free
4. Palazzo San Domenico – opening hours: from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 12:30 and from 16:00 to 20:00 – ticket price: free
5. Lunch at Gastronomia al Duomo, Corso Roma, 142 – Get directions
6. Church of San Domenico – opening hours: always accessible – ticket price: free
7. Castello – opening hours: from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00 – ticket price: free
8. Walk on the western pier – opening hours: always accessible – ticket price: free
9. Dinner at Ristorante il Porto via del Porto, 8 – Get directions

Where to eat in Manfredonia

1. Il Porto restaurant : Italian, Mediterranean and fish cuisine
   Average price per person: € 19.00 – € 45.00
   Address and contacts: via del Porto, 8 (Get directions) / tel (+39) 0884581800
2. Osteria Boccolicchio : Italian cuisine based on fresh fish
   Average price per person: € 20.00 – € 45.00
   Address and contacts: via Arco Boccolicchio, 15 (Get directions) / tel: (+39) 0884090317
3. Il Cappero restaurant : zero kilometer traditional cuisine
   Average price per person: € 22.00 – € 49.00
   Address and contacts: Viale Beccarini, 2 (Get directions) / tel: (+39) 0884662716
4. La Locanda del Torrione : traditional cuisine and grilled meat
   Average price per person: € 15.00 – € 20.00
   Address and contacts: via delle Antiche Mura, 74 / A (Get directions) / tel: (+39) 0884662791
5. Gastronomy at the Duomo: Italian cuisine, pizza, snacks and sandwiches
   Average price per person: € 15.00 – € 20.00
   Address and contacts: Corso Roma, 142 (Get directions) / tel: (+39) 0884582331

What to do in the evening: nightlife areas and best clubs
The bulk of Manfredonia’s nightlife takes place in the summer, when the beaches and bathing establishments are transformed into open-air discos. Throughout the year, however, there are a number of different and beautiful clubs, all concentrated on the waterfront area and in the alleys of via Aldo Moro .

• Club 1920 : place specializing in drinks and aperitifs / Address: via Maddalena, 92 (Get directions) / Facebook page
• John Bull Pub : “classic” pub with themed evenings organized on Friday / Address: via Torre Annunziata 3/5 (Get directions) / Facebook page
• Dubliners Irish Pub : Irish pub with a wide selection of beers / Address: Corso Manfredi, 242 (Get directions) / Facebook page

Plan your stay in Manfredonia: info and useful tips

• How to get there: the city is connected to the major centers of the Gargano through the bus lines of the SITA of Bari and the Saps Bus Line. Those traveling by car from the north must follow the A14 Adriatica motorway which goes from Bologna to Taranto. Coming from the south, take the A16 Autostrada dei Due Mari. The closest airport is Karol Wojtyla in Bari-Palese, 124 km away, about an hour and a half by car. From May to October a shuttle service is available from the “Gargano Easy to Reach” airport.
• How to get around : the city must be explored on foot. To move to nearby towns it is possible to use the train, which connects Manfredonia with all the nearby centers.
• Where to park : Free parking is available on the Lungomare del Sole, near the A. Ceserano Rehabilitation Center. Get directions
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 49.00 per room – see the offers
• What to see in the surrounding area : The beautiful Gargano Park, about 30 km away, which can be covered in about 43 minutes by car, and gives tourists the embarrassment of choosing what to see. Known to most for its beautiful beaches surrounded by coastal forests of pines and holm oaks, for the Umbra Forest and numerous other natural beauties that every year attract hundreds of visitors, the park and the cradle of beautiful medieval villages such as Vieste, San Menaio, Peschici, Mattinata.