Poggio Imperiale: Churches, Palio and Lagoon Landscape

Poggio Imperiale is best understood through its religious architecture and the history of its foundation. The Chiesa di San Placido Martire is the most important place of religious devotion in Poggio Imperiale. It was built in 1759 with the support of Prince Don Placido Imperiale, Lord of Lesina. A painting of the Madonna and Child and San Placido Martire hangs above the altar; the church also preserves a relic of the body of San Placido.

History of the Foundation and Buildings

The town’s history also begins in 1759: Poggio Imperiale was founded that year by Placido Imperiale. The original settlement consisted of terraced houses, an animal stall, a tool shed and a threshing floor, giving it the appearance of an agricultural estate. This simple, functional layout forms an illustrative contrast to the later religious buildings. Palazzo de Ciccio is another historic building in Poggio Imperiale and is located on today’s Corso Vittorio Emanuele. The Chiesa Madre dates from 1875. The Chiesa del Cuore di Gesù was consecrated and opened to the public in 1838; it retains its original façade and bell tower.

Festa and Palio

The religious tradition in Poggio Imperiale is also reflected in regular events. The annual Festa Patronale di San Placido Martire takes place on 5 October and includes a solemn procession through the streets of Poggio Imperiale. If you would like to plan your stay around a cultural event, this date therefore provides a clear reference point. Another event is the Palio della Dama vivente, held in summer in Piazza Placido Imperiale as a ladies’ tournament with living figures. During the Palio di Dama Vivente, local residents dressed as historical figures move in place of ordinary draughts pieces.

Sanctuary and Regional Landscape

The Santuario di San Nazario is also considered a worthwhile destination to visit in Poggio Imperiale. The Caldoni stream rises from a hot spring near the sanctuary.

Lagoon, Nature and Terranovese Cuisine

In the wider region around Poggio Imperiale, the Oasi Duna di Lesina offers paths through reed beds, Mediterranean scrub and lagoon basins that are suitable for mountain-bike excursions. Also in the wider regional area, the Lago di Lesina state nature reserve lies in the eastern part of the Lesina Lagoon. Its reed beds provide breeding habitat for purple herons and bitterns. Terranovese cuisine includes jallucc rrchijn, a stuffed rooster traditionally served after the orecchiette at Ferragosto feasts. If you would like to combine churches, festival culture, landscape and regional cuisine, Poggio Imperiale offers several clearly distinct points of connection for doing so.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

More places for planning your trip: Manfredonia, Serracapriola, Motta Montecorvino, Rignano Garganico, Carpino, Chieuti, Torremaggiore and Borgo Celano.

For the higher-level travel overview: Foggia.