History of Rodi Garganico
Rodi garganico still keeps its origins as fishing village, since in the past it had to defend from the French and Turkish invasions. It was presumably founded around 1284 BC by the Cretans, subsequently invaded by the Greeks, then by the Venetians, which, in 1240, punished the chiefs of Rodi Garganico for their close alliance with Frederick II.
This town does not possess any significant work of art..
It was invaded by the French in the XVI century and a hundred years later by the Turks, who unsuccessfully tried to take hold of it.
In the closest XIX century, it was the seat of the royal residence of the king of the Two Sicilies Gioacchino Murat.
At sunset, the beauty of this place is visible more than in every other moment of the day: funnels sketch evocative shapes on the water, painted by the burning sun.
The two towers are the only remaining ruins of the old Aragonese castle. It is thought to have been built on behalf of the vice king of Naples, Peter Toledo, around the first half of the XVI century.
The medieval walls of this town, treasure full of intimate corners offering breathtaking views, are dominated by the tolling of the bell tower of the Byzantine church of St. Nicola and the Sanctuary of Madonna della Libera: these two places pervade the religious spirit of Rodi Garganico and, therefore, cannot be missed.
The history of Rodi Garganico is also linked to the names of its various districts, such as Vùcc'l and Sott u 'casted. The name of the first one derives from the sound made by women facing balconies to call their fishermen husbands. The name of the second one refers instead to the area below the castle.
From the Belvedere it is possible to enjoy the most evocative and famous view: it is a small square, which the presence of the large pines of Rodi makes even more romantic. Here, the gaze ranges over the white Capuchin Convent, reaching, among the olive groves, the typical tourist harbour.