Peschici is an evocative seaside town perched on a rocky cliff at the northernmost point of the Gargano and of all of Apulia.
A holiday in Peschici isn't just a chance to discover the beauties of the Gargano you will also get to explore a picturesque medieval village. A characteristic centre of tourism on the northern coast of the Gargano, Peschici rises on a rocky promontory with high rock cliffs that drop straight down to the sea. The face of Peschici, with its white houses carved into the rock (in perfect Mediterranean style), is unmistakeable. The Gargano's beaches, the perfect backdrop, today are the main tourist attraction in this region. Also, thanks to the broad range of excursions, open-air activities and hotels for tourists, organising your holiday in Peschici will be child's play!
Peschici's historic centre is protected by majestic medieval walls—today partially destroyed and partially incorporated into homes—still visible by taking the staircase to the right of the Church of Sant'Elia. Access to the old town of Peschici from the new centre (Corso Garibaldi) is marked by an arch and a watchtower from the Angevin-Aragon era of the 1300s that the residents call the "Door on the Bridge" in memory of a drawbridge that isolated the city at sunset each day to protect it from bandits.
The Castle of Peschici was the first structure built in the current historic centre over the ruins of a small Greek castle by the Normans who reached these lands around the year 1000. The structure was attacked and destroyed several times over the years today the castle is somewhat different from the way it used to be, but is located in the same position, up against the rocky ridge, at the farthermost point of Peschici. The secret rooms that were once used as granaries, embrasures and prisons today are open to the public and still preserve their ancient splendour, while the top floors are used as private homes.
The Purgatorio Chapel stands on Piazza del Popolo, the heart of the historic centre of Peschici. Its origins are uncertain. Indeed, it seems it existed as early as the time of the Benedictine monks, inhabitants of the Calena Abbey (therefore around the year 1000), when the historic centre of Peschici still had no houses and when the monks used to gather on the ridge of Peschici to celebrate funeral rites and ceremonies in honour of the deceased. Another can't-miss cult place is the Church of Sant'Elia Profeta, Peschici's patron saint. Built out of large blocks of marble from the local quarries, the structure has a clean look, in perfect contrast with the impressive "broken" bell tower situated in a peculiar position in the centre of its right wall.
The beach of Peschici is one of the most famous and popular of the entire Adriatic coast in Apulia, awarded multiple Blue Flags thanks to the quality of its waters. Beaches and beach life, excursions among the grottoes of the Gargano and historical places of worship are the main characteristics of this region. Don't lose another minute. Check out our holiday packages to Peschici now and get ready for a new unforgettable adventure!
