Perched on the Dauno Apennines, along the consular road that connects Naples to Puglia, is the beautiful Bovino which, thanks to this strategic position, enjoys extraordinary panoramic views and clean, sparkling air
The city is of very ancient origin, probably the territory was already inhabited in the Neolithic and over time has seen various peoples pass: Lombards, Saracens, Byzantines, Normans and all have left precious tangible signs of their presence.
Today the Borgo di Bovino is a precious treasure chest of churches, palaces and unmissable panoramic views. Walking through the streets of the center, the very particular river stone pavement, the noble palaces with the rich stone portals and the houses with the typical roof tiles immediately catch your eye.
The historic center preserves seven beautiful churches and among these the beautiful Basilica, sober and imposing, in the typical Apulian Romanesque style with clearly Byzantine elements. Stopping on the small square in front of it, you can admire the particular rose window with a painting of Christ Pantocrator. The interior of the church has a Latin cross shape, the naves are bordered by granite columns from previous Roman buildings.
The baptismal font placed on an overturned Ionic capital is beautiful. A staircase on the transept leads to a place of great charm, the "Cappellone" of San Marco, a church dating back to 1197 probably built on the occasion of the arrival of the saint's relics in the city. The "Cappellone" preserves the bones of San Marco, a beautiful Baroque altar surmounted by a precious eighteenth-century canvas and the monumental tombs of some of the most important bishops of the diocese of Bovino. Bishop Oddo as well as columns and capitals from the Roman period.
Leaving the Cathedral, with a short walk, you reach the beautiful Ducal Castle which, placed on a rocky spur, dominates the entire Vallo di Bovino, once known because it was frequented by fearsome brigands. Today's Ducal Castle was a fortress in Roman times, a defensive bulwark with the Lombards, a manor house in the feudal age and finally an elegant noble residence that hosted numerous illustrious figures such as Torquato Tasso, Maria of Austria and Pope Benedict XIII. Today it is possible to visit the rooms of the Castle to appreciate the rich furnishings and the Diocesan Museum located in the noble wing.
Bovino boasts the recognition of "One of the most beautiful villages in Italy" since 2003, so visit the historic center by walking aimlessly and savoring the atmosphere that reigns in the small streets, narrow between the houses carved into the rock. Around lunchtime you will be intoxicated by the scents that come from the kitchens of the house and the typical places of the city, take the opportunity to taste the variety of typical dishes and local products: pancotto and broccoli, galanelle and beans, cingoli with crumb, pizzedde and acce and accompanied, of course, with good local wine.
This is the territory of the Uva di Troia or Nero di Troia a vine that gives the wine a beautiful ruby red color, it is the Cacc'e Mmitte doc area that will excellently enhance the cuisine of this territory so beautiful to look at and good to taste .
Alberto Longo - distanza 43,2 Km circa 43 min. in auto
