Faeto: Franco-Provençal Culture, Forest Nature and Historical Traces

Faeto Between Forest, Language and History

The Bosco di Faeto is recognised as a Site of Community Importance (SCI). Faeto combines this natural area with a distinctive linguistic and cultural history. The Bosco di Faeto is also the venue for the Sagra del Prosciutto di Faeto.

The Franco-Provençal Language in Faeto

Franco-Provençal is still spoken in Faeto and Celle di San Vito. The municipal language project in Faeto works with various initiatives. Its focus is on learning, revitalising, enhancing and disseminating this language. The project also promotes the cultural and historical heritage of the Faeto community.

Prosciutto di Faeto and the Sagra

One local speciality is Prosciutto di Faeto, a traditionally handcrafted raw cured ham. Pork and salt are used in its production; the finished pieces weigh approximately 12 to 13 kg.

The Sagra del Prosciutto di Faeto includes tastings of traditional local products. It takes place every year on the first Sunday in August in the Bosco di Faeto. When planning an individual trip to Italy, the fixed August date can be taken into account when scheduling the tastings.

Church and Archaeological Collection

The Chiesa Madre del Santissimo Salvatore in Faeto is a Renaissance-style church dating from 1570. It was built using grey stones from the former Benedictine monastery of the same name. A niche houses the relics of Saint Prospero. The dome of the Chiesa Madre del SS. Salvatore is decorated with the Four Evangelists painted by Leonardo Scarinzi.

The archaeological collection of the Mu.Civi.Te. in Faeto ranges from Neolithic bone weapons and Samnite and Roman implements to medieval stone fragments. It includes a stone crucifix from the 16th century. The Museo Civico del Territorio can be reached on foot and by a wheeled vehicle via a paved road. These two options can be taken into account when planning a visit to the museum.

Townscape, Watermill and Nature Trails

Faeto's medieval townscape includes narrow, winding alleyways. In Faeto's Celone Valley, the best-preserved historic watermill is called Mulino del Piscero. Historical references can therefore be found both in Faeto's townscape and in the valley with its watermill.

The Via Francigena del Sud reaches Apulia in the area of Faeto and runs along the southern slopes of Monte San Vito. Several paths for walks in nature can be used in the Orto Botanico di Faeto. For nature planning, the several walking paths in the botanical garden therefore differ from the route of the pilgrimage trail along the southern slopes of Monte San Vito.

More Destinations

For further travel planning: Serracapriola, Lucera, Torre Mileto, San Paolo Di Civitate, San Marco In Lamis, Bovino, Troia and Borgo Celano.

For the higher-level travel overview: Foggia.