Discover Lesina: Lagoon, Nature and Local History

Lesina lies on the southwestern shore of the lagoon of the same name. The town combines the lagoon landscape with traces of Roman and medieval history, regional fishing culture, and excursions on the water and through the dunes.

Lagoon, Dunes and Protected Landscapes

The Lesina Lagoon is separated from the sea by the dune ridge known as Bosco Isola. Bosco Isola itself is a 15 km-long dune habitat with an extensive system of Mediterranean maquis. The Schiapparo isthmus separates the lagoon from the Adriatic and lies within a protected area. In the eastern section, Sacca Orientale, there is a natural wetland that belongs to the Natura 2000 network under the code IT9110015.

The state nature reserve on the eastern Lago di Lesina covers 930 hectares of a predominantly freshwater lagoon with dense reed beds. West of the mouth of the Fortore, the Palude Le Marinelle extends across farmland, wet meadows and dune ponds farther inland. At the mouth of the Canale Acquarotta, dark igneous rocks, black limestone and gypsum are exposed at Punta delle Pietre Nere. Nearby there are also small areas of biocalcarenitic deposits with Cladocora caespitosa, visible just above today's sea level.

Museums, Islands and Historic Towers

The Museo Etnografico della Laguna includes a brackish-water aquarium with 14 tanks directly connected to the lagoon. The museum also includes the Casa del Pescatore section, which conveys the material culture and the local community's everyday relationship with its environment. Another museum in the former bishop's palace contained archaeological objects from the Roman, Byzantine and medieval periods; admission to this museum was free.

The remains of a Roman villa are preserved on the island of San Clemente in Lago di Lesina. The island emerges from the lagoon at low tide. Lesina's Bronze Age archaeological finds include numerous pottery finds, mainly from San Clemente in the lake. The towers also tell of the area's location between water and coast: Torre Fortore stands between the Fortore River and Lago di Lesina. Its construction began following a concession granted in 1485 and was completed around 1540. Torre Scampamorte stands on the strip of land separating the sea from the lagoon. Torre Mozza is a ruined tower ruin at the mouth of the Fortore, on the opposite side of the mouth from the site of Torre Fortore.

Excursions on Foot, by Bike and on the Water

The Centro Visite del Parco della Laguna is located near the lagoon within the built-up area of Lesina and organises nature, cultural and historical excursions in the lagoon area. Guided catamaran excursions begin near the lagoon museum. The meeting point for a lagoon boat trip is on the lakeshore in Lesina. The boat trip through the lagoon passes through the western basin to the Acquarotta Canal and provides historical and natural-history information.

Several routes of varying lengths are available for walks. From Torre Scampamorte, one route follows an unpaved surface to Foce Schiapparo and a metal bridge over the drainage canal. The route from Canale Acquarotta to Torre Scampamorte through Bosco Isola is 11.5 km long. The route running across Bosco Isola to the sea leads over a walkway that protects the dunes and makes access easier for people with disabilities. You can reach Torre Mozza via small paths leading from the Le Marinelle pine forest towards the sea. The Oasi Duna di Lesina offers paths through reed beds, Mediterranean maquis and lagoon basins and is suitable for mountain-bike excursions.

A guided excursion through Bosco Isola includes an explanation of the function of the Lavoriero, a visit to the Pagliaio, an old fishing house used during the fishing season, and, depending on the weather, a walk from the lagoon shore to the seashore.

Eel, Fishing and the Local Calendar

Eel from the Lesina Lagoon is recognised as a Slow Food “Presidio del gusto” and is prepared according to traditional local recipes. Traditional eel fishing used Paranze or Pagghiari built on the shores, as well as fish traps known as Bertovelli; fishing took place from October to December. The Sagra delle anguille usually takes place in the second week of December and focuses on dishes made with eel from Lesina. The feast of San Primiano is held annually between 14 and 16 May and includes a religious regatta on the lake.

Further Destinations

For further travel planning, you can also discover Celenza Valfortore, San Giovanni Rotondo, Lucera, Peschici, Candela, Chieuti, Deliceto and Orta Nova.

For the higher-level travel overview: Foggia.