Peschici on the Gargano Peninsula

Peschici Coastal Charm

The small town of Peschici sits on a rocky outcrop jutting into the Adriatic on the Gargano Peninsla. The houses of Peschici sprawl across this hostile cliff-top and spill in tiers down the terraced cliff face below. From the streets you will see on the horizon the islands of Croatia - the closest only 32 kilometers away.

Peschici is a stunningly beautiful fishing village which tumbles down its rocky hillside. It is reminiscent in many ways of the villages of the Sorrentine Peninsula, in its rocky outcrops and steep cliff faces. However Peschici is different in that it is still essentially a fishing village rather than a tourist resort.



Whilst the numbers do swell in the summer months the streets are never overcrowded and as the peak of the season passes, the numbers quickly drop away again.







Around Peschici the Gargano national parks spread out to the north and south creating carpets of green forestry broken by the promontories and coves which dot the coast. The juxtaposition of white-washed Italian villages fringed by verdant green forests creates the variety and contrast which the Gargano Peninsula is known for.













In Peschici itself, the narrow streets twist and wind up the hillside to the apex where the views stretch out in all directions. Peschici has a long and ancient history. A nearby cave has traces of prehistoric inhabitants and nearby also, are the ruins of one of Italy's most ancient abbeys. On this hilltop remain the walls of a sturdy castle, and these walls are incorporated into the houses, shops and cafes below.

This is a Norman castle and bridge tower, dating from the eleventh century. It marks the heart of the village, and the churches and white washed houses crowd around the cobbled streets and courtyards at its foot. Villagers and locals gather in the village square below the castle as each day ends and the warm sun rebounds off the cobbles. Laughter and chatter fill the warm twilight air as dusk falls and a shared meal is enjoyed.

Peschici with its glorious harbour, its sandy beaches and its historic Old Town is a gem to be discovered and enjoyed. It is small, - no more than a large village or a small town. It is true to its past but understands that its future is as much about the visitors that come as it is about the unpredictable sea in all its moods, which surrounds it.

Also Pip McCurdy's New Zealand posts:

On Blogspot, Pip McCurdy on the Road

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Belvedere Marittimo and the Castello del Principe

Beautiful Ruins

Castello del Principe

The Normans invaded Italy during the tenth and eleventh centuries, and made their most significant impression on the south-most of the southern states and on Sicily. Belvedere Marittimo is a small town in southern Italy, split between the beach and the steep hills behind. The beach and port edge the coast below, and the hill town above looks out over the sea, the port, and the lush surrounding countryside.

Belvedere Marittimo has an exceptional centro storico (historic centre) and in particular the most exceptional castle ruins. These dominate the hillside and create the centre around which the hill town clusters. These ruins may have existed prior, but it was their capture by Roger the Norman which gave them their current form. Overseen by their Norman conqueror, it is the remains of this Norman castle fort which towers over the hilltop town today.

Although ruins they may be, the magnificent castle that once stood there is still plain to see in the shapes and contours of the stone work that has survived.

The castle that Roger built or perhaps adapted, is one of the most attractive examples of Norman castle building that still remains in recognisable form in Italy today. And even though this castle is now only ruins the glimpses of its towers, walls and gates add grandeur and stature to the town.













Belvedere itself is intricate and curious. Its tunnels, archways and lanes weave in and out of the Old Town in a confusing array of stairways and courtyards. The hill town has no commercial centre. The shopping hub of Belvedere is below on the waterfront and this is also the commercial heart of Belvedere. On the waterfront the cafes and bars take full advantage of the water's edge promenade. Accommodation also centres on the port. The hilltop town however, is Old Town at its best.

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 On the hilltop you will find a quieter way of life - for some perhaps, too quiet.   For others a chance to stroll slowly, to admire the perfect views across the valley, the coast and the sea; an opportunity to soak in the history, and gaze on the relics of the past.  In such an idyllic spot it is little wonder that Roger eyed up Belvedere Marittimo and decided it must be his. Now we are able to appreciate that times have moved on from the days of conquer or be conquered: The days of Roger the Norm.

Also Pip McCurdy's New Zealand posts:

On Blogspot, Pip McCurdy on the Road

Website: http://www.unusualstays.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Stay-Somewhere-Strange-273777766054597/