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Castles,
forests and Turks
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Today's
journey takes us from the ancient forests of the
Gargano promontory deep into the heart of Southern
Italy.
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Lucera is steeped in history - founded in the
pre-Roman period it was then settled by the Romans
in 4 BC. Perched on its hilltop surrounded by the
Tavoliere plain and keeping close watch on the gulleys
and rivulets of the nearby coast it is an excellent
base for exploring the Gargano (the 'spur' on the
boot of Italy) with its primeval forests and beautiful
beaches. But first take a walk through the mediaeval
streets of Lucera towards its imposing castle
which completely overshadows the town. The castle,
called the Palatium, was built by Frederick
II in 1233, and was once the most important
fortress in Apulia. Nowadays, apart from the external
walls, little remains of the original structure.
The castle, which extended over three storeys, had
no entrance at street level and historians are still
unsure how the building was accessed in the past.
 It's
almost time to leave for Potenza but before you
go stop for some lunch in "La taverna di Federico
II" (Via Federico II, 43 - phone: +39-0881-522645).
Potenza,
in the heart of the Busento
valley in Basilicata, is the highest regional capital
in Italy. An unusual traditional festival, the Sfilata
dei Turchi (Parade of the Turks) takes place
in Potenza each 29th of May - okay so
you'll miss it by a week, but, who knows, maybe
you'll come back again next year. The festival is
so unusual that no-one knows where it comes from,
why it is celebrated or when the tradition started,
although there are reports of a similar festival
in the 1600s.
If you plan to stay the night in Potenza you can
get good value accommodation at the Albergo Europa,
where prices for a double room with half-board start
at LIT 60,000 (phone: +39-0971-34011). If you prefer
something a little more luxurious then head for
"La Primula" in the centre of town where a double
room will set you back LIT 170,000 (phone: +39-0971-58310).
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DARIO
MORGANTE |
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May
2001
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THE SURVIVOR'S 
