Faeto

Perched 866 meters above sea level, Faeto is one of the most charming villages in the highlands of Daunia, Apulia. With less than 700 inhabitants, it dominates the Tavoliere delle Puglie from above, affording breathtaking views that embrace the Gargano and the Gulf of Manfredonia. This small town is a true treasure of culture, nature and tradition, capable of captivating every visitor.

Its uniqueness is revealed first and foremost in its language: Faeto, along with neighboring Celle di San Vito, is the only French-Provençal linguistic island in Apulia, a legacy from the 13th century when Charles of Anjou sent Provençal soldiers to fight the Saracens of Lucera. These soldiers settled here, leaving as a gift an idiom that, to this day, resonates among the alleys of the village.

Faeto's very name derives from Faíte, a term that recalls the "beech forest", the undisputed symbol of the village. The Defense Forest of Faeto, 150 hectares of beech, oak, turkey oak, and downy oak, is one of the most important woods in Daunia and is a paradise for those who love to walk in nature, discovering ancient springs such as the Fonte di San Vito or the Sciurtone Fountain, and the evocative remains of the watermills on the Celone stream.

The medieval village preserves a maze of narrow alleys, arches (the famous lo cunnùtte) and lanes that start from the Mother Church of the Holy Savior, built in the first centuries after 1000 and recently restored. The architecture also includes the Casa del Capitano, dating back to the 16th century and now home to the Mu.Civi.Te, the ethnographic museum that tells the story of the Franco-Provençal communities of Faeto and Celle San Vito.

The mineral water springs, famous for their diuretic and curative properties, are another peculiarity: visiting the fountains built in correspondence with them provides a unique experience, amid evocative views and cool breaks in the village and woods.

Faeto is also famous for its gastronomic tradition: the Faeto PDO ham, made from the native black pig, is a recognized excellence, celebrated every year with two not-to-be-missed events: the Prosciutto Festival, in August, and the Pork Festival, on the first Sunday in February. The local cuisine offers a triumph of authentic flavors with sausages, soppressata, capocollo, filetto and pancetta, all produced using traditional methods by local farmers.

There is no shortage of naturalistic and cultural attractions: the Nature Visitor Center, the Crux Viatoris in the Lecesi locality, the striking recently reconstructed Haystack, reminiscent of Apulian trulli, and the scenic Belvedere, from which a horizon sweeping from the Tavoliere to the Gargano can be admired, make Faeto a perfect destination for those seeking relaxation, history and nature.

Finally, cultural initiatives and folk festivals keep alive the soul of Faeto, a village that, despite depopulation in recent decades, continues to jealously guard its unique identity and attract visitors in search of authentic thrills.