San Paolo di Civitate: Hills, History and Olive Oil

Hills, Waterways and Landscape

San Paolo di Civitate lies on a hill offering views of both the Gargano and the first foothills of the Apennines. The Fortore and smaller streams run through the municipal area.

Traces of Archaeological History

The historical development includes the Daunian settlement of Tiati from the 1st millennium BC, the Roman Teanum Apulum and Civitate, and the name later used by Emperor Trajan. The Tiati-Teanum Apulum-Civitate archaeological site is located approximately 4 km northwest of San Paolo di Civitate.

At the site of Teanum Apulum in the municipal area of San Paolo di Civitate, structures belonging to an amphitheatre from the Imperial period of the 1st to 2nd centuries were discovered. The amphitheatre had an irregular elliptical shape; the arena and seating area were presumably built into the natural slope.

During excavations of a building located along the route of the Regio Tratturo L'Aquila-Foggia, a rectangular structure with a vestibule and a large cella was documented. The entrance was decorated with a mosaic made of river pebbles.

Civitate, Tower and Historic Sites

The fortified city of Civitate was founded between 1018 and 1019 by Katapan Basilio Bojoannes. The Torre di Civitate that remains is a massive tower with a rectangular ground plan. Its defensive features are typical of buildings in central and southern Italy from the period between the late 11th and the 13th century.

The Battle of Civitate was fought on 17 and 18 June 1053 near San Paolo di Civitate. The site was located in the plain north of Apulia, at the mouth of the Staina stream where it meets the Fortore, on a terraced hill above the valley and near the settlement of ancient Civitate. Another archaeological trace is the Tomba degli Ori, discovered on 7 August 1952 during construction work on drainage road no. 33 in Pezze della Chiesa.

The Museo Civico Archeologico is housed in the former monastery of Sant’Antonio di Padova. The Museo Archeologico di San Paolo di Civitate was established by Municipal Council Resolution No. 8 of 29 February 1996.

Experience Olive Oil with All Your Senses

The Frantoio Didattico includes a guided tour of the olive mill as well as sensory activities. You can learn about the aromas and flavours of extra virgin olive oil.

When choosing a hotel in San Paolo di Civitate, you can consider whether your trip should focus primarily on the landscape around the Fortore or on the archaeological evidence of Tiati, Teanum Apulum and Civitate.

Other Destinations

Torremaggiore, San Domino, Segezia, San Nicola Di Tremiti, San Menaio, Pugnochiuso, Roseto Valfortore and Trinitapoli

For the higher-level travel overview: Foggia.